We are proud to introduce Fred, our much loved school dog. Fred is a Cavapoochon, a breed which is known for its calm and child-friendly temperament and hypoallergenic hair.

Whilst at school, Fred's main place of residence is in Mrs Palmer and Ms Sheehan’s office, which is secure and separate from the classrooms. You will often see Fred (on a short lead) making visits around the school, taking walks with the prefects and helping Mrs Shearer in the Lighthouse Room.

Why do we have a school dog?

Extensive research has shown that ‘Pet therapy’ is widely accepted as benefiting children’s well-being and communication skills. Studies have shown that the presence of companion animals can improve the well-being of children and lower the rate of anxiety simply by making the environment happier, more enjoyable and less forbidding.

Dogs are increasingly being used in schools with great success and some of you may have seen in the media that they are now being used in some hospitals and care homes as the emotional health benefits they bring are so vast.

The Stoke Poges School wouldn't be the same without Fred!