EXCELLENCE IN PASTORAL CARE AND WELLBEING

Criteria
A truly outstanding school prioritises the well-being, mental health, and personal
development of its students, creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.
This award recognises a school that goes beyond academics to ensure every

student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive emotionally, socially, and
mentally.
In not more than 500 words, we invite you to share compelling stories about the
school’s commitment to pastoral care, well-being, mental health initiatives,
leadership, and community involvement. You may attach supporting evidence if
desired.
Areas to consider:

1. Comprehensive Pastoral Support and Student Well-Being:
   The winning school will have a robust and proactive pastoral care system,
   ensuring all students feel safe, heard, and supported. Evidence of mentoring
   programmes, counselling services, mental health support, peer support
   systems, and inclusive well-being initiatives should be highlighted.
2. Quality of Teaching and Emotional Literacy Development:
   The school will integrate emotional intelligence, resilience training, and mental
   health awareness into the curriculum, equipping students with skills to
   manage stress, build confidence, and maintain positive relationships. Schools
   that promote kindness, empathy, and positive behaviour management will be
   recognised.
3. Leadership and Strategic Vision for Well-Being:
   Strong leadership will be evident through the school’s whole-school approach
   to well-being, ensuring that mental health and pastoral care are embedded in
   school policies, staff training, and daily practice. A commitment to mental
   health first aid training for staff and clear safeguarding policies should be
   demonstrated.
4. Community Engagement and External Partnerships:
   The school should illustrate strong links with mental health charities, social
   services, well-being organisations, and family support groups to ensure a
   network of support for students. Evidence of parental involvement,
   workshops, outreach programmes, or collaborations with external experts will
   strengthen applications.
5. Facilities, Resources, and Safe Spaces for Well-Being:
   A winning school will provide calm, inclusive, and accessible spaces for
   student support, such as quiet rooms, sensory areas, mindfulness zones, or
   nature-based well-being initiatives. Schools should also highlight resources
   such as mental health apps, self-care toolkits, and well-being programmes.
6. Innovation and Creative Approaches to Mental Health and Well-Being:
   The school should demonstrate innovative ways to support student well-
   being, such as mindfulness practices, meditation, yoga, creative therapy (e.g.,
   music, art, drama), outdoor learning, or positive psychology techniques. Schools that embrace digital well-being, stress management strategies, and peer-led mental health initiatives will stand out.
7. Inclusivity, Student Voice, and Personal Growth:
   The school must ensure pastoral care is inclusive and accessible to all
   students, regardless of background or personal challenges. Evidence of
   student-led well-being initiatives, pastoral mentoring programmes, student
   councils, and open discussions about mental health should be included.