School receives highest mental health award after assessment

The school was praised for its mental health and wellbeing strategies, structures and practices.

The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools Award, which lasts for three years, aims to strengthen staff and pupils’ mental health by supporting schools to make a positive change at all levels of the UK’s education system.

Andy Christoforou, headteacher at Abbey College, said: “I am incredibly proud of the entire Abbey College community for showing such inspiring commitment to help support positive mental health.

“Achieving this award is testament to all the hard work and determination we have undertaken to support student and staff wellbeing, especially in the current circumstances. However, the work does not stop now. We are striving to maintain our success in 2021 to further support our students and staff moving forward.”

To achieve the Gold Award, Abbey College had to demonstrate a community approach to mental health, evidencing policies and initiatives that worked towards improving mental health and wellbeing for both staff and pupils within the wider school community.

In the final report, the assessor commented that: “The college is excelling across the vast majority of the competencies and their outreach work and research-informed practice shows their unswerving commitment to making mental health and well-being an integral part of their everyday practice.

“The college ensures that the wellbeing of all is at the forefront of its priorities, in this way maintaining focus and rigour.”

The college was commended on its Spirit Virtues, a set of virtues that underpin the school community.

The report continued: “The school ethos is underpinned by their key virtues of ‘humility, intuition and passion’. This applies to all stakeholders and means relationships are at the core of decision-making. The welfare team is made up of experienced staff with the sole purpose being the well-being of pupils.”

The school also provides a confidential email service for staff run by governors.

The next steps for Abbey College involve ensuring the school is well equipped to support the emotional wellbeing and mental health of its community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will now be recognised as a thought leader in school mental health and wellbeing and will receive a plaque and certificate to display at the school.