Peer Mentoring Programme

The Peer Mentoring Programme at Cheltenham College has been running in its current form for over ten years. During that time around 250 pupils have been trained to listen to their peers and offer them support.

Peer Mentors are between 13 and 18 years of age and each one chooses to become a Peer Mentor. The training lasts ten weeks and is delivered during lunchtime by staff trained in these areas.  Pupils meet for between 30 and 45 minutes each week and receive training on:

• Self-awareness
• Understanding body language
• Listening with your heart, head and gut
• The difference between empathy and sympathy
• Adopting a non-judgmental approach
• Understanding the theory of the 5 Love Languages
• Navigating a conversation
• Confidentiality and privacy
• Case studies and peer review

At the end of the course, each pupil is interviewed by the trainer to check their understanding. Following this the Peer Mentor signs a written agreement and is awarded a Peer Mentor badge. Experienced Peer Mentors can also work towards a Peer Mentor tie. This is awarded to those who have taken the initiative to lead small groups in their own Houses, helping with homesickness, relationships, self-awareness, or social activities to encourage friendship between new groups of pupils. The Peer Mentor keeps a close relationship with their trainer, and knows that they can ask them for advice or help at anytime.