World Mental Health Day - a wonderful annual opportunity for us to reinforce how important it is to talk about our mental health.

At King's, we pride ourselves on taking our pupils' and staff's mental health and wellbeing seriously not just today, but every day. 

Our holistic approach to education and our belief that everyone thrives when they feel safe, happy, and supported, is something that our school community has been renowned for for some time. However, a strategic focus to really bolster our mental health and wellbeing support and facilities following the Covid pandemic is making such a significant difference.

Designed to build trust between students, staff, and professional health-care providers, we are promoting a common language around mental health, encouraging early intervention, and ensuring access to tailored treatment. 

Some of our key developments include:

🔹 100% increased investment in experienced professionals; from four to eight
🔹 Delineation of responsibilities into three focused areas: mental health, physical wellbeing, and counselling
🔹 Establishment of a dedicated new Health and Wellbeing Centre, with extended consultation rooms and safe spaces
🔹 Staff training in the different forms of mental health and how to recognise them in students
🔹 Staff training in making referrals to the Wellbeing Team to facilitate early intervention
🔹 New Peer Mentor Programme – Sixth Form students trained as Mental Health Ambassadors to signpost younger pupils towards the support that we are able to offer
🔹 Delivery of Student Assemblies and PSHE lessons on the importance of being open and honest about mental health
🔹 Creation of regular drop-in sessions across all sections of the school

In our latest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Inspection (March 2025), King's was recognised to have a significant strength. This strength is that our "commitment to pupils’ education and care is evident through the interweaving of high quality pastoral care and the dynamic enrichment programme".

In their report, inspectors said: "Leaders have recently enhanced the Health and Wellbeing Team, establishing year group leads, and bringing together various services to ensure a co-ordinated approach to pupils’ care that provides them with the best opportunities to thrive.”

We were also delighted to win the 'Pastoral Care and Wellbeing' category of the 2025 Talk Education Awards for Innovation in Education. 

One of many success stories concerns a Year 12 international male student, from a culture where anxiety and mental health struggles are not acknowledged, who accessed support via a drop-in session, seeking help with self-esteem and emotional regulation. He now volunteers as a Peer Mentor, helping others in school to seek positive outcomes.

A pupil survey in March 2025 reinforced this positive impact: 99% of students reported feeling safe at school, and 90% felt confident they could share concerns with someone.

Talking is good for your mental health. And talking about mental health is important. But starting a conversation is not always easy. We will continue to strive in making starting the conversation that little bit easier.