What is a Well School?
A Well School still has high expectations, but places just as much emphasis on health and wellbeing as it does on academic performance. It understands that children and young people are more effective learners when they are happy and healthy, and that staff are better educators when they are genuinely supported.
Benefits of being a Well School:
- Increases in progress and attainment
- Improvements in physical and mental health
- Increased attendance
- Higher self-efficacy
- Increased executive function
- Improved behaviour
- Reduced exclusions
- Improved job satisfaction
- Increased staff retention
How to get involved
Join over 2,000 schools across the UK that are taking positive action to improve school outcomes by supporting the health and happiness of their staff and pupils. By joining us you will be able to access self-review tools and dedicated support, connect with other Well Schools and Trusts across the UK, and keep up to date with the latest stories, events, podcasts and reports on how to create the healthiest, happiest schools in the world.
Sign-up to find out more today and be amongst the first schools to get access to out new free-to-access Well Check which will be launched this summer. Once you complete the check you will receive a free tailored development plan to help you on your journey to becoming a Well School.
You can also access our refreshed Steps to Success and MAT Strong Trust Principles guides and a library of podcasts from incredible school leaders who share their approaches and learnings from adapting a Well Schools approach.
Evidence of impact
A Well School journey takes time and takes planning. Evidence shows that advocating staff wellbeing, staff recognition and allowing staff to have autonomy over staff wellbeing in their schools can lead to positive outcomes.
It also shows that pupils are who are happier and healthier has had a positive impact on pupils’ engagement with learning and academic performance.
Here you will find the summary reports, school profiles and case studies from the Well Schools research conducted by the University of Manchester and case studies from Trusts where they have improved education outcomes through a Well School approach.
Training Programme for Strategic Leaders of Well School Trusts
The Youth Sport Trust is launching a strategic programme to help School Trusts embed PE, school sport, and physical activity as key drivers of wellbeing improvement across their schools.
Research shows a strong link between higher wellbeing, academic attainment, and educational success. Physical education and sport play a vital role in enhancing health, reducing inequalities, and boosting student achievement.
We are offering a residential programme including keynote presentations, workshops, case studies, networking, and planning activities to support School Trusts in developing wellbeing strategies.
Date: 30 June - 01 July 2025
Location: Loughborough University
Cost: Free
For further information and to sign up: please email [email protected].
Well School Collective
We have a diverse range of senior leaders in education, who have lived experiences of improving schools by supporting happy, healthy children and staff. We also work with a range of partners that have amazing support and resources that can help you address the challenges you have to creating a healthy, happy school. We are delighted to work with such an inspirational group of people as part of our Well School Collective.
- Ben Levinson OBE, Executive Head Teacher, Kensington Primary School
- Adrian Bethune, Teachappy & teacher, Broughton Junior School
- Farhan Adam, Principal, Crown Hills Community & Sports College
- Dave McPartlin, Head Teacher, Flakefleet Primary School
- Kafilat Agboola, Director of Professional Learning, Haberdashers Academy South Trust
- Chris Dyson, Deputy CEO, Create Partnership Trust
- Jeremy Hannay, Head Teacher, Three Bridges Primary School
- Vincent Brittain, Chief Executive, Inspire+
- Rae Snape, Head Teacher, Milton Road Primary School
- Matthew Carpenter, Principal, Baxter College
- Sue Watmough, Head Teacher, Manchester Communication Academy
- Dan Keefe and Kev Byrne, Deputy Head Teacher, Clare Mount Sports College
- Peter Hunt, Head Teacher, Oasis Academy Blakenhale
Our Partners
Get ready for the Well Check
Sign-up to find out more today and be amongst the first schools to get access to out new free-to-access Well Check.
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