Book excerpt: Pastoral care provision in schools has become increasingly marginalized in recent years. However, emphasis on the needs of the "whole learner" has become ever greater. Coupled with this is a growing recognition of theadverse effects of a wider social malaise on the development of students. This book stresses the need for a radical rethink and reprioritizing of pastoral support. It promotes the belief that pastoral care can contribute to and improve academic achievement, and analyzes every aspect of pastoral care and PSE.