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Blenheim High School has been awarded ‘Bronze Status’ for its excellent whole-school approach to the mental health and wellbeing of its pupils, staff and wider community.

The Mental Health in School Award was established in 2017 by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools – part of Leeds Beckett University – and social enterprise Minds Ahead.

The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools aims to strengthen pupils’ mental health by supporting schools to make a positive change at all levels of the UK's education system, improving students’ outcomes and life chances.

Schools are assessed against eight key criteria, with inspectors looking for examples of evidence-based approaches that align to the latest professional guidance surrounding mental health.

The eight areas are:

• Leadership and strategy 
• Organisational structure and culture – staff
• Organisational structure and culture – pupils 
• Support for staff 
• Support for pupils 
• Staff professional development and learning 
• Working with parents and carers 
• Working with external services

Schools must demonstrate that they not only have the proper structures, strategy and support in place to care for the mental health and wellbeing of their own community, but that they are also sharing knowledge, resources and best practice nationally, and internationally, with other school and external agencies.

"Mental Health and Wellbeing has never been more important and as a school we made it a priority in 2021 to prioritise our Mental Health and Wellbing provision. This has been reflected in our accreditation of Bronze Status by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence. I am extremely proud of the dedication that our community has shown in supporting both staff and students proactively with their mental health, especially during what has been a particularly challenging period for all.

Having this accreditation will stand as a constant reminder and motivation in ensuring we continue to have a positive impact and promote good mental health and wellbeing throughout the academy."

Mr A. A. Bodell, Headteacher