Wellbeing Award for Schools

The Wellbeing Award for Schools recognises outstanding work in promoting mental health and wellbeing within school communities across England. It supports schools in creating a culture where mental health can thrive, and helps them develop strategies for improving student wellbeing.  In June 2024, all stakeholders participated in a wellbeing survey to assess our current provisions. You will soon be invited to complete a second survey.

Update and progress

Student Wellbeing

  • Thrive and Kooth have delivered several workshops and assemblies to students focused on mental health and wellbeing
  • Ten Year 9 students successfully completed the Mental Health Champion course last term, graduating as our official Mental Health Champions. They will be hosting drop-in sessions at The Wellbeing Hub for Year 7 students and providing mentorship to their peers.
  • Year 11 students check in every Wednesday using the new Pulse app, enabling us to monitor and support their mental health and wellbeing. The collected data helps us plan targeted individual and group interventions.
  • Additionally, students can send gratitude messages to peers and staff, fostering a positive and supportive school environment
  • The counsellors have provided staff training for Learning Support Assistants and Intervention Leaders on how students can manage exam-related anxiety and stress. Since they will likely be working with these students, the training equips them with the skills to offer effective support
  • Our school counsellors and wellbeing assistants continue to support students through one to one and group sessions.

Staff Wellbeing

  • Staff have access to mental health resources, including counselling and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
  • Wellbeing Week took place in November, offering staff a range of after-school activities such as yoga, running, baking, and mindfulness. To support staff wellbeing, no meetings or training sessions were scheduled during the week, breakfast pastries were provided each morning, and staff had the option to work from home on the Friday
  • The Pulse app has been actively used as a platform for staff to express gratitude and appreciation for one another
  • We have expanded our team of Mental Health First Aid-trained staff, ensuring greater support across the school
  • This term, our school counsellors delivered a Wellbeing workshop for staff, focusing on enhancing overall wellbeing. The workshop covered essential topics, including reducing the stigma around mental health, understanding the window of tolerance, and developing practical coping strategies.

Parent and Carer Wellbeing

  • A parent workshop on teenage mental health was held this term, with a second session scheduled for April. While parental engagement has improved, it remains a key focus. All presentation materials are available through our website
  • An organisation called Belonging Matters supports displaced students from Hong Kong, Ukraine, and Iran. Last term, a dedicated parent and student focus group was held, resulting in the development of an action plan
  • Regularly sharing the Thrive Parent and Carer Training Series, featuring sessions on helping young people manage anxiety and cope with low mood.