At the heart of the Boys’ Prep wellbeing programme is a very special team member – Ozzy, our beloved school dog mentor. Ozzy is a six-year-old Labrador Retriever with a calm, gentle nature and a wagging tail that brings instant smiles.
Owned by Miss Kilpin, Ozzy plays an important role in supporting our boys, especially those he works with in 1:1 mentoring sessions. Whether it’s helping someone feel calmer, encouraging confidence, or just being a listening presence, Ozzy has a quiet magic that words can’t always match.
He doesn’t stop there; you’ll often see Ozzy making his rounds through Boys’ Prep classrooms, lying contentedly while lessons go on, or proudly attending assemblies with the rest of the School. He’s more than a pet; he’s a trusted companion and a steady support for our pupils.
One of Ozzy’s favourite activities is listening to boys read. Pupils often feel more relaxed and confident when reading aloud to Ozzy, and he listens with the kind of undivided attention only a dog can give. His non-judgemental presence helps to build reading confidence and makes the experience both fun and rewarding.
As part of his mentoring work, Ozzy also plays a role in promoting positive behaviour through our Ozzy Tokens system. Boys can earn Ozzy Tokens by being smart – whether in appearance or behaviour. We also talk a lot about being Ozzy Ready, which means being calm, focused, and prepared to learn. This initiative was introduced by our Head Boy Team to recognise and celebrate pupils. The class with the most tokens at the end of the week earns extra time with Ozzy. When pupils are Ozzy Ready, they show self-control, listen well, and treat others with care – all qualities that Ozzy models so naturally. His presence reminds everyone to slow down, breathe, and be their best selves.
Whether he’s providing quiet support, celebrating achievements with a joyful tail wag, or just being a comforting friend in the corridor, Ozzy brings so much more than just cuteness to Boys’ Prep – he brings connection, confidence, and care.
We’re incredibly lucky to have Ozzy on our team.
Learn more about Wellbeing at Surbiton High Boys’ Prep.
