At our school, we believe that mental health matters — for every member of our community. Just like physical health, our mental health can shift and change depending on our experiences and circumstances. We’re not simply “well” or “unwell”; we’re all on a journey, and how we feel can vary day to day.

We foster a love of learning and encourage all our students to embrace a growth mindset. We talk about the power of yet — "I can’t do it yet" — because we believe in each young person’s potential to grow, adapt, and overcome challenges with the right support.

Our Approach

We offer a whole-school commitment to mental health and wellbeing, which includes:

• Proactive support through our curriculum, assemblies, tutor time and wider school culture — equipping students with strategies to manage emotions, build resilience and talk openly about mental health.
• Responsive support when difficulties arise — including access to trained staff, our pastoral team, and referrals to appropriate external services where needed.

 

What Support Is Available?

Our school has a tiered approach to wellbeing support:

🧭 Everyday support:

• Students can talk to form tutors, subject teachers, or any trusted adult in school.
• Our Heads of Year and Pastoral Team are available to offer advice, check in regularly, and help with managing any concerns.
• We use tutor time and Personal Development lessons to develop self-awareness, emotional literacy and coping strategies.

🌱 Targeted support:

• We can offer small group workshops for issues such as anxiety, self-esteem, friendship, or emotional regulation.
• Students with ongoing mental health needs may receive tailored support through individual plans, involving family and external professionals as needed.
• Referrals can be made to our Character Mentors, and external agencies that work in school, COMPASS (Mental Health Support Team) and FWD Mentoring, depending on individual needs.

 

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🤝 External services we work with:

• Forward Thinking Birmingham and CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) for specialist input when appropriate
• Kooth and The Mix for accessible online support and self-referral
• Local GPs, school nursing, and a range of voluntary organisations for family support

We are committed to early intervention and to working in partnership with parents and carers at every stage.

 

Helpful Resources

There are many high-quality, trustworthy websites to support both young people and parents. We recommend starting with:

• Kooth – free, anonymous counselling and support
• YoungMinds – advice and guidance for parents and young people
• Every Mind Matters – NHS tips and tools to support mental wellbeing
• The Waiting Room – a hub of local services and support
• The Royal College of Psychiatrists – clear, reliable information for both parents and young people
• The Mix – advice, helplines and counselling for under-25s

Please note that these resources are a starting point and not a replacement for medical or professional help. If you're concerned about your child’s mental health, please contact school or your GP. We are here to listen and help you find the right support.