Meet Our New Deputy Head Pastoral: Mr Ciarán McAuley
We are delighted to welcome Mr Ciarán McAuley to Orchard House School as our new Deputy Head Pastoral. With a strong background in pastoral care and Forest School education, Ciarán joins us at an exciting time, as we continue to place wellbeing, kindness and personalised learning at the heart of school life. We caught up with him to learn a little more about his journey, his approach to pastoral care and his first impressions of the Orchard House community.
Could you tell us a little about yourself, including your interests and hobbies?
I grew up in Ireland in a big family, which probably explains my love of community and busy, noisy environments! I originally came to London to study teaching, fully expecting it to be a short adventure – but 20 years later, with a wife, three children and a dog called Mac, I’m clearly still enjoying it.
I have a background in pastoral care and Forest School, and I’m passionate about supporting children’s wellbeing in creative and nurturing ways. Outside of school, I love being outdoors, spending time with my family, and enjoying a good walk (usually with plenty of fresh air involved).
I’m also a massive Gaelic football and hurling fan, as well as a big Glasgow Celtic supporter – I try to get up to Scotland as often as I can to watch a match. While I promise to remain impartial during the school day, I am quietly hopeful this might also be the year the Irish rugby team smash the Six Nations.
What inspired you to work in pastoral care in schools?
Growing up in Ireland in a big family definitely planted the seed for me. With lots of brothers, sisters and cousins around, there was always someone who needed support, encouragement or simply a listening ear.
I saw early on how much difference it makes when people feel noticed and cared for, especially during tricky moments. That sense of community and looking out for one another really stuck with me, and it’s what inspired me to work in pastoral care in schools – helping young people feel safe, supported and understood.
How have you found your first few weeks at Orchard House School?
I’ve really enjoyed my first few weeks at Orchard House School. The team has been incredibly welcoming, the pupils are a joy to work with and it already feels like a very supportive, nurturing environment to be part of.
What do you enjoy most about our school community so far?
What I’ve enjoyed most is how welcoming and supportive the community is. There’s a real sense that everyone looks out for one another – staff and pupils alike – which creates such a positive, caring environment.
It’s been lovely to see how small moments of kindness and connection are genuinely valued here. That kind of attentiveness makes a huge difference to how children feel day to day.
Are there any pastoral initiatives or ideas you’re particularly excited to introduce or develop?
I’m particularly excited about building on the school’s strong pastoral foundations by incorporating elements from my Forest School background. Using outdoor spaces to support wellbeing, emotional regulation and confidence can be incredibly powerful, and I’m looking forward to developing this further at Orchard House.
What do you think makes excellent pastoral care, and why is it so important in schools today?
Excellent pastoral care starts with relationships – taking the time to really know each child and understand what they need to feel safe and supported.
When children feel cared for, they’re better able to regulate their emotions, build confidence and engage fully with learning. In today’s world, where many children are navigating big emotions and challenges, strong pastoral care plays a vital role in helping them feel secure and understood.
What moments at the end of a school day tend to make you smile the most?
The moments that make me smile most are the end-of-day waves, big grins and the very important last minute stories children suddenly remember they need to tell you before going home!
Seeing them leave school happy, relaxed and full of chatter is the perfect way to end the day.
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