Calderglen High School impressed with the variety of activities it has put in place to boost wellbeing among pupils and staff, including:

• The SCQF Level 5 Mental Health and Wellbeing Award
• outdoor learning programmes
• peer mentoring
• targeted interventions, including support for pupils who have experienced significant loss
• strong, continuing partnerships with school alumni, former parents and third sector organisations.

The school has also created a 'wellbeing area' where those who need it can access immediate support from one of 20 staff members who have been trained in Mental Health First Aid.

And, pupils have taken a lead in raising awareness through the House system, drop-in sessions, mentoring and in-school campaigns

Head Teacher Liz White said: “We are incredibly proud of the positive, inclusive culture we have built at Calderglen, where wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.

“The strong links we have built within the community have been pivotal in delivering strong mental health provision not just to our pupils and families but for the wider East Kilbride community.

“This award therefore reflects the hard work, compassion and dedication of our entire school community in creating an environment where both young people, staff, families and partners can thrive.”

Councillor Gavin Keatt, Interim Chair of the Education Resources committee, added his congratulations, saying: “Mental health and wellbeing is embedded in the ethos at Calderglen, and it’s clear to see the difference such an approach makes.

“This award reflects and recognises a culture where pupils are more confident in seeking help, staff feel supported, and the wider school community benefits from a culture of empathy, openness and care.”

The award was established in 2017 by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools – part of Leeds Beckett University – and social enterprise Minds Ahead. It assesses eight key areas, following which recipients achieve bronze, silver or gold status for three years.