Date Published: March 25, 2025
As mental health issues among young people continue to rise, the need for schools to adopt a well-considered wellbeing policy becomes ever more urgent. Schools must now be fully prepared with clear strategies and actionable solutions that address wellbeing issues at their root. In doing so, they not only create a more supportive environment but also enable students to reach their full learning potential.
In this guide, we explore the foundations of wellbeing, the science behind its importance, the impact it has on learning, and how to build an effective school wellbeing policy.
What is Wellbeing?
Wellbeing is commonly defined as a state of comfort, health, and happiness. However, this simple definition does not capture the complexity or significance of true wellbeing.
Wellbeing is not fleeting or superficial. It is about fulfilling key personal needs: finding purpose, staying physically healthy, building strong social networks, participating actively in a community, and achieving emotional stability. Although schools cannot influence every aspect of a student’s life, they play a vital role in promoting many of these factors.
By fostering a positive and inclusive environment, schools can significantly improve student wellbeing, helping young people to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Science of Wellbeing
In recent decades, research into wellbeing has highlighted its essential role in improving life outcomes. Studies link higher levels of wellbeing with:
- Greater engagement at school
- Lower rates of mental health issues
- Better academic achievement
- Stronger social connections
At the same time, alarming trends have emerged regarding young people’s mental health. In the past two years alone, the number of children seeking support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has doubled. Some healthcare professionals have described the situation as a mental health epidemic.
Given that students spend a significant portion of their time at school, educators have a duty to promote, protect, and respond to issues affecting mental health and wellbeing. A whole-school focus on wellbeing is no longer optional; it is critical for safeguarding students’ futures.
The Impact of Student Wellbeing on the Classroom
Student wellbeing influences many aspects of school life, from academic outcomes to relationships between pupils and staff.
Academic Engagement
Research shows that students with higher wellbeing levels are more engaged in classwork. They are more willing to participate, more likely to persevere with challenging tasks, and better able to regulate their emotions when facing difficulties.
Positive Learning Environments
A happy and healthy student body creates a positive classroom atmosphere. Studies reveal that wellbeing is socially contagious—being around happy people can boost an individual’s own sense of wellbeing by up to 63%. This creates a virtuous circle where positivity spreads throughout the school community.
Enhanced Teacher-Student Relationships
When students feel mentally and emotionally secure, they are more comfortable seeking help, asking questions, and engaging with their teachers. Strong relationships between staff and students further reinforce wellbeing, promoting mutual respect and trust.
How to Create a School Wellbeing Policy
A strong wellbeing policy serves as a roadmap for building a culture that supports students’ mental health and emotional development. It should be clear, actionable, and inclusive of all stakeholders.
Here is a structured outline to guide the development of your school’s wellbeing policy:
1. Explain the Importance of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Start your policy by outlining why wellbeing matters to your school community. Connect it to your school’s mission and values, and highlight the link between wellbeing, academic success, and long-term pupil development.
2. Define the Intentions of the Policy
Clarify what the policy aims to achieve. Are you seeking to reduce anxiety levels among students? Improve attendance? Foster a culture of openness around mental health? State your intentions clearly.
3. Provide a Clear Definition of Wellbeing
Offer a definition of wellbeing that reflects your school’s ethos. Specify that wellbeing includes emotional, social, and psychological factors, and stress the shared responsibility for promoting it across the school community.
4. Outline the Policy Development Process
Explain how the policy was developed, who contributed to its creation, and how it will be reviewed and updated. Transparency builds trust and ensures that the policy evolves as new research and best practices emerge.
5. Adopt a Whole-School Approach to Wellbeing
Detail the practical actions your school will take to promote wellbeing. This might include:
- Introducing mindfulness sessions
- Enhancing extracurricular opportunities
- Improving access to mental health resources
- Embedding wellbeing themes into the curriculum
- Creating safe spaces for peer support
Explain how these initiatives will be communicated and implemented.
6. Clarify Staff Responsibilities
Clearly set out expectations for staff members regarding their role in promoting wellbeing. Staff should:
- Model positive wellbeing behaviours
- Identify students who may be struggling
- Offer initial support and signposting
- Engage in ongoing professional development related to mental health
Consistency across staff is vital for creating a coherent and supportive environment.
7. Outline Support Systems for Students
Describe how students with identified mental health needs will be supported. Include:
- Access to counselling services
- Referral pathways for external support
- Systems for monitoring student wellbeing over time
- Strategies for early intervention
8. Involve Parents and Carers
Parents and carers play a critical role in supporting their children’s wellbeing. Establish processes for involving families when concerns arise, and offer resources and guidance to help parents support their children at home.
9. Invest in Staff Wellbeing Training
Detail the training and support you will provide to staff. Well-trained teachers are better equipped to recognise signs of distress and intervene appropriately. Consider:
- Mental health first aid training
- Workshops on resilience and stress management
- Regular CPD updates on mental health and wellbeing
10. Set Out Monitoring and Evaluation Procedures
Explain how the school will track the success of the wellbeing policy. This might involve:
- Annual surveys for students, parents, and staff
- Analysis of attendance, behaviour, and attainment data
- Regular reviews by senior leaders and governors
- Adjustments based on feedback and outcomes
Robust evaluation ensures that wellbeing remains a living priority rather than a static document.
Conclusion
A comprehensive school wellbeing policy is essential for supporting pupils’ mental health, improving engagement, and creating a thriving school culture.
In the face of growing mental health challenges among young people, schools must move beyond good intentions and implement real, actionable strategies. A whole-school approach to wellbeing benefits everyone—students, staff, families, and the wider community.
By prioritising wellbeing through thoughtful planning, clear communication, and consistent action, schools can empower their pupils to flourish both inside and outside the classroom.
