Central Academy Wins Two National Awards for Pupil and Staff Wellbeing

The School Impact Awards, of which there are four, encourage schools across the country to take positive steps to improve the physical, emotional and mental health of all pupils and staff, as well as to support young people in growing their confidence and resilience. To secure an award, schools follow a rigorous and comprehensive awards framework over the course of a year. This involves setting and meeting a host of key targets, and evidencing impact through surveys and case studies.

As part of their work to achieve the Pupil Wellbeing Award, the academy created a bespoke wellbeing area for all pupils to use during social times and extended its extracurricular offering to further benefit pupil health and wellbeing. New activities available include performing arts, dodgeball and art club.

To earn the Staff Wellbeing Award, the school set several targets focused on showing greater staff appreciation. The academy has introduced staff ‘shout outs’ in the Principal’s weekly staff briefing to highlight standout personal and professional achievements. It has also established several internal staff awards to celebrate good and outstanding practice.

Since making these improvements, teachers at the academy have reported having a better knowledge of their students as well as more productive relationships with them. The school has also seen an increase in the number of students attending extracurricular clubs, with more young people choosing to broaden their horizons outside of the classroom.

 Zach, a Year 10 student at the academy said:

“Getting involved in extracurricular activities has helped me make more friends in school. They allow people to come together and have fun whilst boosting self-confidence!”

Iona Kyle, PE teacher at Central Academy and Wellbeing and Mental Health Co-ordinator, said:

“We are delighted to secure these awards and celebrate all the fantastic work being done to strengthen student and staff wellbeing. Over the coming academic year, we will be continuing to build and expand on our wellbeing offer, including by providing a ‘Ways of Wellbeing’ course to our Year 11 students ahead of their summer examinations and an ‘Every Life Matters’ course to our students in Years 10 and 12.”

Dan Markham, Principal at Central Academy, said:

“I am so proud of our academy and the excellent work that has been put in by Iona Kyle, as well as students and staff across the school, to earn these awards. Alongside equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to make strong progress in their academic learning, we want to make sure we are giving them the tools they need to be healthy and emotionally intelligent young people. This national recognition is testament to our success, and the real commitment we are showing to the wellbeing of students and staff alike.”