What term describes support systems in educational institutions for student welfare?

• A. Disciplinary Groups
• B. Administrative Units
• C. Pastoral Groups
• D. Student Councils

Answer: (C)

Support for student welfare in educational settings is provided through pastoral care. Pastoral groups are the structures and teams within schools that coordinate this care—pastoral tutors, form tutors, welfare officers, and guidance staff work together to monitor wellbeing, attendance, and overall welfare, and to refer students to external services when needed. This focus on wellbeing, guidance, and safeguarding distinguishes it from other functions. Disciplinary groups deal with behavior and sanctions, administrative units handle day-to-day operations and policy management, and student councils are bodies for representing student views, not welfare support systems. Therefore, the term that best describes the support systems for student welfare is pastoral groups.