We were delighted to welcome parents to the first Parent Partnership event of the academic year, as leading educational researcher and parenting expert Dr Kathy Weston, founder of Tooled Up Education delivered an engaging and thought-provoking talk titled Future Proof Your Son: Evidence-Based Approaches for Optimal Outcomes.
A central part of our pastoral ethos is working closely with parents to help pupils flourish. Through our Parent Partnership Programme, we aim to strengthen the relationship between home and school, providing families with expert guidance and practical support as they navigate the teenage years together.
Drawing on the latest research, as well as her own experiences as a mother of two boys, Dr Weston explored a simple but powerful question: What qualities do we hope our sons will possess at the age of 25, and how can we help those qualities develop during their teenage years?
The packed session offered a wealth of practical, evidence-based advice. Parents were encouraged to remain optimistic about their sons’ futures, recognising the importance of belief and encouragement in helping young people develop confidence and resilience. Dr Weston also highlighted the value of side-by-side conversations, such as walks, which can often create opportunities for more open communication with teenagers.
Other key themes included the importance of helping young people reflect on their own stories of growth and achievement, promoting healthy conversations around body image and wellbeing, and recognising the vital role that sleep plays in supporting good mental health. Parents were also encouraged to celebrate positive behaviours when they see them and to ask reflective questions that help boys understand and build on their own successes.
With warmth, humour and honesty, Dr Weston shared personal stories and lessons learned from raising her own sons, bringing the research to life through relatable experiences that resonated with parents and staff alike.
The event also explored how parents can equip boys with the confidence and language to navigate some of the challenges they encounter in modern life, while emphasising the benefits of an authoritative parenting style that balances clear boundaries with strong emotional support: raising children with both “love and limits”.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the session’s practical takeaways, engaging delivery and reassuring message. As both parents and educators reflected on the morning, there was a strong sense of shared purpose in supporting boys to thrive, both now and in the years ahead.
The Parent Partnership Programme continues throughout the year with a series of talks and workshops covering a wide range of topics affecting young people today. These sessions complement our Citizenship programme and provide valuable opportunities for parents to learn and connect with one another.
Our thanks go to Dr Kathy Weston for a fascinating and inspiring start to this year’s programme, as well as to the Parents’ Guild for their continued support in helping make these events possible. We look forward to welcoming parents to future Parent Partnership events throughout the year.
