We are delighted to have won the Independent Schools Award for Excellence and Innovation in Mental Health and Wellbeing. Presented by Kriss Akabusi, British broadcaster & former sprint and hurdling track and field athlete, the award is a well-deserved recognition of all the hard work that goes into managing the wellbeing and mental health of all our pupils.

At Colchester Prep and High School, we believe that happy and healthy pupils that feel part of a thriving, welcoming community are better prepared to achieve their full potential. We achieve this by getting to know them as individuals, having good relationships with their families, offering them the right support and ensuring they have access, under the guidance of our Pastoral Team, Mental Health Leads and pupil led team of Wellbeing Ambassadors, to a wide range of physical and mental wellbeing activities, including:

  • ‘Peace Time’ and ‘Calm Time’ in Prep School which provides time each day for silent, calm reflection and mindfulness.
  • Mindfulness workshops run by Ms Haggerty (Mindfulness Teacher).
  • ‘Friendship club’ that promotes Peer Mentoring between Senior and Prep pupils.
  • Regular assemblies focused on wellbeing including looking at ‘Anxiety’, ‘What Connection means to me?’ and ‘How to cultivate Mental Wellness’.
  • Senior School Wellbeing Guest Speakers and Workshops (Nicole O’Brien on mental health and wellbeing, Knife Crime Workshop and Misogyny Theatre Workshop)
  • Form time activities promoting positive wellbeing and resilience.
  • ‘Wellbeing’ toys for the whole school, including worry monsters, fidget toys and creative materials, funded by our Parent Association.
  • ‘Cognita Global Be Well Day’ which focusses on aspects of wellbeing for example sleep, online presence and diet and exercise.
  • A 1-1 Mentoring system, supporting early intervention and the provision of coping strategies.
  • The school ‘House System’ which creates a sense of belonging and togetherness, as well as healthy competition.
  • A broad and balanced PSHE curriculum that covers mental wellbeing and the importance of e-safety, including talks by The 2 Johns for parents and pupils.

Our School and Wellbeing Ambassadors also support the wellbeing of our wider community, raising funds throughout the year for the Y.E.S (Youth Enquiry Service), a local mental health charity, and the Colchester Foodbank.

Ms Gracie-Langrick, Headteacher said “This is a wonderful testimony to the passion and innovation of all our staff, and especially that of our Pastoral Team who ensure that our pupils develop into confident, balanced, and resilient young individuals. For today’s children growing up in an uncertain, ever-changing world, it is ever more important to ensure that they have the tools to “Be Well, Live Well, Learn Well”.