Marvel the Mentor!

To celebrate National Pet Month this April, Barratt and David Wilson Homes have shared a heartwarming update on a special initiative they’re supporting at Priors Hall – A Learning Community.

Earlier this year, the school welcomed Marvel, a golden cockapoo, into the classroom as part of a dog mentor programme—and he’s been wagging his way into hearts ever since. Now fully trained, Marvel is thriving in his new role, offering a calm, comforting presence to pupils as a dog mentor.

The Dog Mentor Programme, which is being rolled out in schools across the UK, is all about improving children’s emotional wellbeing, communication, behaviour, and empathy—and it’s already making a real difference at Priors Hall.

One Year 6 pupil shared: “I’ve never had a pet before, so this gives me that experience. If you’re sad or stressed, spending time with Marvel makes you happy again.”

A Year 4 classmate added: “Before Marvel was here, people struggled to keep tidy. Now he’s here, everyone cleans up so we’re Marvel-ready. He’s always excited to see people.”

Marvel supports a variety of interventions at the school, from sensory breaks out on the playground to social and emotional support sessions, all alongside his wonderful handlers, Mrs Hall and Mr Mackenzie.

Simon Francis, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Northampton, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have sponsored Marvel’s journey to becoming a dog mentor. It’s fantastic to see the positive impact he’s having at the school.”