How do we support pupils' mental health in school?
At Mowden, our Wellbeing Programme supports pupils from their very first day, helping them build self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. We aim to create an environment that is both safe and challenging, a place where children can take risks, fail, and grow without fear.
Our pastoral team is fully integrated into school life, ensuring every pupil is known, valued, and supported as they would be at home. Alongside this, our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Education) curriculum provides a structured, age-appropriate programme that equips pupils with essential life skills beyond school. We nurture resilient, happy individuals through three key areas:
Our Structure
Our pastoral system combines formal and informal support. Every pupil belongs to a small form group, with their form tutor acting as the main point of contact for both pupils and parents. Strong relationships between pupils, tutors, and families ensure each child feels seen and supported in every circumstance.
The House system offers an additional layer of care. With four vertical Houses, pupils benefit from a close-knit community that spans year groups. Housemasters oversee pastoral care, while older pupils lead activities and mentor younger ones, fostering teamwork and pride.
We actively listen to our pupils through regular wellbeing questionnaires and forums such as Speakers’ Corner and the School Council. These platforms give pupils a voice in shaping school life and addressing issues that matter to them.
Our People
Mowden is a true community. Pupils of all ages mix naturally, sharing meals, joining clubs, competing in House events, and collaborating on projects. This culture of togetherness encourages peer support and helps every child feel part of something bigger.
Our Place
Our rural setting plays a vital role in pupil wellbeing. Children spend plenty of time outdoors, whatever the weather, exploring woodlands, tending the vegetable patch, caring for hens, or enjoying free play in the fields. Time in nature helps pupils develop resilience, confidence, and a genuine love of the outdoors.
Mental Health and PSHE
Mental health is a central focus throughout our PSHE curriculum, delivered through the Jigsaw PSHE programme from EYFS to Year 8. This whole-school approach combines personal, social, and emotional education with mindfulness and reflection. It builds five key skills — self-awareness, empathy, social skills, motivation, and emotional management — supporting pupils’ personal growth and learning capacity.
We also promote awareness through assemblies, charity partnerships, and national initiatives such as Mental Health Week.
When additional support is needed, pupils can access one-to-one sessions with our Mental Health Lead, Mrs Laura Danby. These take place in a familiar, supportive setting and are tailored to individual needs, helping pupils develop coping strategies over time.
Sport and Wellbeing
Sport plays a major role in mental health at Mowden. Beyond physical fitness, it offers social connection, teamwork, and a sense of achievement. Our sporting values focus on enjoyment, effort, and personal growth, ensuring every child benefits from the wider lessons sport can teach.
