We are delighted to have been awarded Highly Commended in the 'Excellence and Innovation in Mental Health and Wellbeing' category of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Awards 2022. 

Our entry is below, summarising our mental health and wellbeing provision and outlining all that we do for our pupils here:

At Shebbear College, wellbeing and mental health provision has always been a strong focus: the breadth of provision and robustness of pastoral support that is offered here is extensive. As a smaller school (around 300 pupils), the teachers know all of the pupils and are very quick to notice if something is not quite right enabling support systems to be quickly put in place where needed. Our non-selective intake includes pupils from all over the world and from all backgrounds and our cohesive and caring environment enables every child to achieve their potential. We run an extensive co-curricular programme as well as enrichment activities aimed at supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils.

In June 2022 Shebbear College achieved the prestigious Wellbeing Award for Schools, following a rigorous inspection of our mental health and emotional wellbeing provision for both pupils and staff. 

One of just a few schools in the local area to be awarded this certification, we have been working towards this for the past twelve months with pupils, staff and parents all involved. This award, run by Optimus Education in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau, focuses on the long-term culture of the whole school, using an evidence-based framework to ensure that mental health and wellbeing sit at the heart of school life. 

"The school is a very welcoming, happy and inspiring environment and the children do well due to the emphasis on their wellbeing and aspiration as well as the small pupil numbers and an individualised approach." (Wellbeing Award for Schools)

Our Health and Wellbeing Centre (HAWC) was set up last year, which serves as a nurturing space for day and boarding pupils to go, either if they are feeling physically unwell or just need time to reflect. As part of HAWC, we have a trained and experienced team including our Pastoral Lead/DSL, School Doctor, Chaplain, team of Matrons and Sex and Relationships Specialist. They are always on hand whenever our pupils need support, with many being Mental Health First Aiders. Having Mental Health First Aid trained staff is pivotal for our staff's understanding of Mental Health and this course is completed by staff that have daily interactions with both day and boarding pupils.

Our vision is to be able to provide pupils with an all rounded experience where pastoral care enhances their academic achievements. Pupil voice has been recognised as an important part of this and as a result we hold regular sessions with our pupil groups and are looking to develop this even further in the future. Pupil groups include the Sanctuary (Prefect) Team, Allies (LGBTQ+ group), EDI group (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion), Mental Health Champions and School Councils, providing a safe space for our pupils to discuss matters around identity, rights, equity and more.

The Mental Health Champions are a group of Sixth Formers that have had basic training to help identify any pupil in need or that may require support in school. They are also in support of the pastoral staff team to promote positive mental health and get involved with awareness raising events.

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Group is a team of pupils that highlight areas within the school community to make sure that the school is inclusive for all. Some successes of this group include identifying gender neutral changing facilities and toilets, and encouraging the introduction of all gender sports.

Our Allies Group is a group for students who are LGBTQIA+ or those that support them. The group meets once a week at lunchtime, and provides a safe space for students to discuss matters around identity, rights, equality and more, and a community for socialising.

All of our pupils from the Pre-Prep right up to Sixth Form take part in weekly PSHE lessons, covering topics such as emotional wellbeing, mental health, digital resilience (in the context of online pressures), exercise, healthy lifestyles and kindness. We also believe that getting outdoors as much as possible is a really important approach to a healthy body and mind and we try to take our learning outside where we can, appreciating nature and the world around us, not only in Sport and Outdoor Education, but also as part of our academic curriculum. We are lucky to have 85 acres of rural campus to enable us to deliver this, including an extensive wild nature trail and an outdoor classroom. Our location is also close to Dartmoor, Exmoor and the coastlines of North Cornwall and Devon, which we visit regularly, giving our pupils the opportunity to try hiking, surfing and water sports. Our pupils take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Ten Tors challenge each year. 

In our recent ISI Inspection, we were graded Excellent for both the quality of the pupils’ personal development and for the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements – the highest possible grading. In the report, the wellbeing and pastoral care at the school was praised throughout and it was quoted:

“Pupils show superlative moral compass in all discussions, in class, in the boarding houses, at meal times, and live out the school’s ethos. They clearly demonstrate the qualities of being kind and showing respect to others.”

“Pupils have an excellent understanding of how to stay safe and healthy, including the importance of a healthy diet and how to maintain a positive outlook on life. They appreciate the Health and Wellbeing Centre (HAWC), where they can go for physical and mental support during their busy day at school.”