A North Yorkshire-based secondary school has been awarded Silver Status by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health Award.

This award, led by Carnegie School of Education and Minds Ahead CIC, ensures schools are using evidence-based approaches, aligned to the latest professional guidelines surrounding mental health.

The assessment report found that ̨��swag Academy Easingwold was ‘excelling’ in six of the eight competencies on which the award is given.

During its assessment, the York Road-based academy was praised for the ‘excellent’ support it offered the students, as the report noted there was ‘a range of opportunities open to pupils to support their mental health and well-being’.

Laura Eddery, Principal at ̨��swag Academy Easingwold, said:

“To be awarded Silver Status is a brilliant achievement for our school as it recognises the good work of both our students and staff.

“At ̨��swag we are committed to putting students first, and for us this goes beyond just academically. We want to help students to succeed both academically and by becoming responsible citizens when they leave us, who can go on to play key roles in their communities.

“That is why it is a priority for us that we support our students to look after their mental health and wellbeing. We take pride in receiving this award and we look forward to continuing to support our staff and students as best we can.”

Within the assessment report is praise of the academy’s work during the pandemic, especially the lockdowns, to remain in communication with parents to provide them with support:

“During lockdowns, parents and families were contacted regularly to provide support; the move to remote learning was very successful, with positive comments from the parents. 

“Links with outside agencies, such as CAMHS and Early Help to provide appropriate support for pupils and families. Again, this has resulted in very positive relationships being developed with families, especially during the pandemic.”

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.

The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools aims to strengthen pupils’ mental health by supporting schools to make a positive change at all levels of the UK's education system, improving students’ outcomes and life chances.