Ensuring pastoral care is a priority

Loughborough High School shortlisted for national wellbeing award 

We’re delighted to announce that Loughborough High School has been shortlisted in the Universal Wellbeing category of the Mental Health in Education Awards, in recognition of our proactive, pupil-centred approach to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of every pupil. 

The award celebrates our commitment to embedding wellbeing into everyday school life, ensuring that pupils develop the confidence, resilience and practical skills they need before difficulties reach crisis point. 

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 12 October. 

Led by Assistant Head (Pastoral), Victoria Standring, Loughborough High School has developed a universal wellbeing model that places prevention, accessibility and pupil voice at the heart of pastoral care. 

Victoria said: “We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for this award. At Loughborough High School, we believe that academic excellence and emotional wellbeing are deeply connected. When pupils feel safe, valued and understood, they are free to be ambitious, curious and courageous in their learning. 

This recognition reflects the commitment of our students and staff, who work together to create a supportive community in which wellbeing is part of everyday school life.

Pupil voice is central to our approach. Our pupil-led Wellbeing Committee brings together pupils from Years 7 to 13, with a representative from every form group. Meeting each half term, the committee gives pupils an active role in identifying the challenges faced by their peers and developing initiatives to address them. The cross-year structure also enables older pupils to mentor and support their younger peers. 

One of the committee’s most successful initiatives is Time to Talk, which brings Sixth Form students and younger pupils together for informal conversations over hot chocolate and pastries. During the academic year, the sessions were attended by 67 Year 7 pupils and 87 Year 8 pupils, demonstrating the value and accessibility of peer-led support. 

Following feedback in a pupil wellbeing survey about rising exam stress and academic pressure, members of the Wellbeing Committee played an active role in developing support for their peers. This included creating early revision plans and delivering assemblies on managing pressure, using their own experiences to offer practical and relatable advice. Other initiatives include Hello Yellow Day, wellbeing-themed bake sales and awareness campaigns that encourage open conversations about mental health. 

Our dedicated therapy dog is also a structured part of the pastoral provision. Calming walks during break and lunchtime provide a valuable non-verbal source of support for pupils who need help with emotional regulation. 

Feedback from pupils continues to shape the wider wellbeing curriculum. Requests from older students for greater financial literacy have led to additional guidance on budgeting, mortgages and managing finances at university. This is delivered alongside our Futures programme, which prepares students for life beyond Loughborough High School. 

A network of accessible support 

The universal wellbeing model is reinforced by a comprehensive pastoral network. Pupils have access to the School’s counselling service, the Mental Health Support Team and staff trained in Mental Health First Aid. They can self-refer for counselling or approach their form tutor, Head of Year, matron or any other member of staff they trust. This culture of accessibility helps to remove the stigma that can be associated with asking for support and ensures that pupils know where to turn when they need help. 

Each year group has a dedicated Head of Year who works closely with form tutors to understand every pupil as an individual, including her strengths, friendships, ambitions and concerns. This consistent guidance helps ensure that no pupil feels unseen. 

External organisations and speakers, including CoppaFeel!, Heartwize and St John Ambulance, also contribute specialist knowledge and practical guidance. 

As young people face increasing social, academic and digital pressures, we believe that wellbeing cannot be treated solely as a response to difficulties. Emotional health must be supported consistently, openly and proactively. 

Being shortlisted for the Universal Wellbeing Award recognises the contribution of the entire school community, particularly the pupils whose ideas and compassion continue to shape a happier and more supportive Loughborough High School.