Everyone’s best friend

Claremont’s latest addition will set tongues (and tails) wagging  

As well as over 260 Year 7 students starting at Claremont High School this term, there’s another new arrival. This one’s slightly younger, at only a few months old, and also a lot hairier… and guaranteed to get more so! 

Luna-Martha (‘Luna’ for short) is an Old English Sheepdog, a rare and gifted breed, who will be making regular appearances at Claremont from next month. She’s part of a new initiative to introduce ‘therapy dogs’ into schools, supporting the wellbeing of both students and staff through pastoral, counselling and other interventions.  

Research by the University of Lincoln, in collaboration with the Dog Mentor Programme, suggests a therapy dog’s presence in educational settings may provide a calming and grounding environment for those pupils experiencing challenges, making it easier for them to engage with school life and build positive relationships. 

Luna will be introduced in college assemblies from October and next steps include dog mentor training for staff and general dog training for select student handlers. Those pupils who are allergic to, or simply uncomfortable around, dogs are not expected to engage with her. 

Gentle, affectionate and intelligent by nature (if sometimes a little stubborn), Luna already has her own timetable, which includes a lot of reading with students. She’s even been recruited by Emerald College, much to the disappointment of the other colleges!  

So if you felt apprehensive starting at secondary school, paws for thought to consider how Luna must feel… No doubt excited, but also a bit nervous. Just like you, though, she’s sure to make many new friends here at Claremont.