Halliford School Achieves Silver Status in National Mental Health Award

Halliford School has been awarded Silver Status in the prestigious Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools ‘School Mental Health Award’, recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to promoting mental health and wellbeing across our entire community. 

Following a rigorous accreditation process, we presented a comprehensive portfolio of evidence demonstrating that we meet all eight competencies required for the award. The assessment highlighted our deeply embedded whole‑school approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHWB), supported by strong leadership, effective governance, and a values‑driven culture. 

Inspectors noted that school leaders and the Governing Body ensure MHWB remains a strategic priority. A clear and explicit Mental Health and Wellbeing policy underpins a suite of well‑aligned policies, with governors receiving regular updates and carefully scrutinising data, systems and impact at every meeting. 

Halliford’s ethos is rooted in our core values of Respect, Warm‑Heartedness, Teamwork, Resilience, Intellectual Curiosity and Creativity, which collectively shape daily school life. Wellbeing is a standing item on the agenda at all staff meetings, and staff voice is actively encouraged, influencing professional development and internal systems. 

The award particularly recognised our strong focus on staff wellbeing. Initiatives include clear communication, open access to senior leaders and HR, weekly line management meetings, 20 per cent non‑contact time for teaching staff, flexible working arrangements, enhanced paternity leave, workload adaptations during busy periods, and clear boundaries around email use. All staff have access to external mental health support, while Headmaster Mr Davies, himself a trained Mental Health First Aider, also provides internal support. Additional initiatives such as free yoga, social events, communal meals and regular staff appreciation were praised for creating a close‑knit and supportive staff culture. 

Student wellbeing was identified as a key strength. Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education sits at the heart of the curriculum, complemented by subjects including Psychology, Biology, Computer Science and Physical Education. Assemblies led by students, staff and external speakers focus on mental health themes, with tutor time used to explore these topics further. 

The school offers a wide range of wellbeing initiatives, including a dedicated wellbeing area, reflective outdoor spaces, social skills groups, yoga and sports clubs, and a library stocked with wellbeing resources and screen‑free activities. Student voice is described as ‘extremely strong’, influencing leadership decisions, while student leaders and prefects play an active role in mentoring younger students.  

Support structures for students are extensive, with medical and emotional care provided by the Matron, alongside the Director of Welfare, Mr Shales, ELSA provision and counselling services. Clear signposting across the school ensures students know where to seek help, supported by an Anti‑Bullying email address, strong pastoral communication and an inclusive House system. Diversity, Inclusion, Community and Equality (DICE) is firmly embedded within school life. 

Professional development was also highlighted, with all staff engaged in a structured Performance, Review and Development programme. Safeguarding training is mandatory, and 26 members of staff have completed Youth Mental Health First Aid training. Recent CPD has addressed key contemporary issues, including suicide prevention, toxic masculinity and racist language. 

The award also acknowledged Halliford’s strong engagement with parents and the wider community. We offer accessible communication channels, a dedicated wellbeing section on our website, regular newsletters, and a wide range of events, including PSHE talks, Mental Health First Aid training, and cultural and sporting activities. 

Beyond the school gates, we actively share our expertise. We offer free Youth Mental Health First Aid training to staff from other local schools, host external speaker events for educators, collaborate closely with local SENDCos, and work with a range of specialist organisations, including CAMHS, Mindworks, Eikon, PAPYRUS and Young Minds. Our Headmaster also contributes nationally through leadership roles, inspection work and advisory discussions with the Department for Education. 

The Silver Award marks a significant milestone for Halliford School, reflecting our sustained and collaborative commitment to mental health and wellbeing for staff, students, families and the wider education community.