Guidance

Guidance 

At The Nicolson Institute, we recognise that supporting the whole child is just as important as academic success. The wellbeing and personal development of each pupil is a shared responsibility across our school community, and all staff are committed to nurturing a caring, inclusive, and respectful environment.

While every teacher takes an active interest in the welfare of their pupils—both in and beyond the classroom—we also have a dedicated team of Guidance staff with specific pastoral responsibilities. These teachers are central to our support system and work closely with pupils, parents, and other professionals to ensure that each young person is safe, supported, and encouraged throughout their school journey.

Our Guidance provision covers three key areas:

Personal Guidance
Our Guidance teachers are a consistent point of contact for pupils who may need someone to talk to. Whether a pupil is facing a personal difficulty, navigating friendships, dealing with stress, or simply needs a listening ear, our team is here to help. Building trusting relationships is at the heart of what we do, and we work hard to ensure every pupil knows they have someone who will listen, support, and advocate for them.

Curricular Guidance
Choosing subjects and planning a learning pathway can feel overwhelming. Guidance teachers support pupils in making informed, realistic choices that align with their interests, abilities, and ambitions. This process includes helping pupils understand course requirements, monitoring academic progress, and encouraging them to reach their full potential through personalised support and regular check-ins.

Vocational & Careers Guidance
Helping pupils prepare for life beyond school is a vital part of our role. Our Guidance team supports career education through planned programmes, one-to-one advice sessions, and partnerships with external organisations like Skills Development Scotland. We encourage all parents and carers to explore My World of Work, a helpful online resource filled with information about career options, subject choices, and pathways into work, college, or university.

Guidance is not a one-off event/weekly class—it’s an ongoing process of care, connection, and encouragement. We want all of our young people to feel seen, heard, and confident in the knowledge that they are supported every step of the way.