First 'Well School' accreditations awarded

Children’s charity Youth Sport Trust has awarded the first Well School accreditations, recognising schools that are prioritising pupil and staff wellbeing alongside academic performance as a measure of success.

The new framework enables leaders to evidence wellbeing as a strategic priority through external validation, rather than treating it as a supportive but largely unmeasured aspect of school culture. 

The Well School accreditation provides a structured framework allowing schools to evaluate and evidence wellbeing practice with the same rigour applied to academic outcomes and safeguarding provision. The framework aims to be straightforward and realistic to implement within existing structures, without adding extra workload. Through external peer review and a clear rating system, the accreditation supports leaders to demonstrate impact to parents and governors, track progress and embed accountability for wellbeing across whole-school strategy. 

In the first three months since its launch, over 40 schools have applied for their Well Schools Accreditation, with six schools and a four-school multi-academy trust already peer reviewed and awarded.

The first accredited schools and trust are: High Tunstall College of Science, Hartlepool; Hayle Academy, Hayle; Crown Hills Community and Sports College, Leicester; Oasis Blakenhale Junior School, Birmingham; Manchester Communication Academy, Manchester; and Clare Mount Specialist Sports College, Wirral. Tapscott Learning Trust, including Kensington Primary School, North Beckton Primary School, Ranelagh Primary School, and Curwen Primary and Nursery School, has also been accredited.  

Insights from the Well School pilot showed teachers at participating case study schools reported lower levels of emotional exhaustion, significantly lower levels of depersonalisation/cynicism, high levels of feelings of teacher efficacy in engaging pupils, and a high level of job satisfaction.

Ali Oliver MBE, Youth Sport Trust CEO, said: “Schools are facing immense pressure every day, from workforce challenges to rising pupil needs. Children today are also facing pressures unknown to previous generations, sedentary lifestyles and the constant influence of social media and excessive screen time. If we do not adjust our approaches, we will see increasing consequences for young people's education and development.  

“Prioritising wellbeing in school culture is one of the most powerful ways to intervene, yet it remains an under-used resource. The Well Check helps schools review their provision and be signposted to practical school-led solutions, and Well School accreditation celebrates and validates schools taking action and demonstrates to parents, carers and their community a forward-thinking approach.  Our research shows what schools do to promote wellbeing is a major factor in parental choice when it comes to their child’s school. When pupils and staff feel supported, safe and valued, engagement rises, behaviour improves, and children are given the best chance to thrive both academically and personally."