The King’s School, Worcester Foundation, has dedicated a week to raising awareness about mental health, offering a variety of activities aimed at promoting wellbeing for both pupils and staff. As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the school hosted special assemblies highlighting the importance of mental health and the role the King’s community plays in fostering connection and belonging. Additionally, screens around the campus displayed information on available mental health resources, both within the school and from external organizations.
Throughout the week, staff participated in activities such as yoga, mindfulness exercises, and walks along the river, providing them with a chance to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing. This focus on wellbeing is not just a one-week event—it’s embedded into the school’s ethos, as recognized in a recent ISI inspection that praised the comprehensive pastoral support the school offers. The inspection highlighted that “Leaders… provide comprehensive and timely support for pupils,” noting the nurturing environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered.
At King’s Senior School, the newly introduced ‘Bright Room’ offers a dedicated safe space for pupils. This room also hosts mindfulness sessions to support student wellbeing. In addition to the school-wide focus on mental health, King’s has appointed a dedicated Pupil Welfare Co-Ordinator, Foundation Mental Health Lead, and Wellbeing Governor to ensure mental health is consistently prioritized in both day-to-day operations and long-term strategies.
For younger students, King’s St Alban’s and King’s Hawford have implemented ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ sessions. These sessions provide pupils with a structured time to focus on their mental health through engaging activities and discussions. Recently, students at King’s St Alban’s created “What Makes You Great” badges for each other, celebrating their unique strengths.
In addition, King’s Hawford launched the ‘Hawford is MAGIC’ initiative, a programme designed to foster positive mental health among students, staff, and the broader community. The initiative runs alongside their pupil-led wellbeing committee, further reinforcing the school’s commitment to mental health.
In recognition of their efforts, King’s St Alban’s was awarded the Wellbeing Award for Schools in 2023. The advisor who reviewed their strategy commended the ‘Making KSA Smile’ wellbeing programme, calling it one of the best strategies they had seen in their six years as an advisor.
Dr. Alison Oliver, Acting Head, emphasized the importance of wellbeing, stating: “The happiness and wellbeing of our pupils are at the heart of our provision at King’s Worcester. We are proud to create a caring community that focuses on mutual respect, openness, and warmth, and allows our pupils to thrive.” She also praised the school’s fantastic staff, who are committed to offering support and guidance to every member of the King’s community, ensuring pastoral care is woven into all aspects of their educational experience.
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