Brian Jackson College is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious Bronze School Mental Health Award Accreditation by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, recognising the college’s commitment to creating a positive, supportive and inclusive environment for both students and staff.
The award follows a comprehensive assessment process which found that the college is successfully embedding mental health and wellbeing across all eight areas of the School Mental Health Award framework. Assessors praised the college for its strong culture, leadership and commitment to supporting the wellbeing of the entire college community
Following our incredibly positive Ofsted Report earlier this month, we are delighted to continue the recognition for Brian Jackson College by announcing this Award.
The verification report described Brian Jackson as a “warm, welcoming, inclusive, and safe” college where leaders are highly visible and accessible, students are friendly and engaged, and a strong sense of belonging is fostered through the college ethos, “This Is What We Do Here.”
A particular strength identified by assessors was the college’s approach to staff wellbeing. The report highlighted year-round wellbeing and performance conversations, protected weekly wellbeing time for staff, peer recognition initiatives such as the Mug of the Week, and access to confidential support through the Wisdom app for both employees and their families.
The assessment also recognised the strength of student voice across the college. Students were praised for their confidence in advocating for themselves and their peers, with leaders taking their views seriously and acting on their feedback. The report noted that clear pathways are in place to ensure students can quickly access mental health support whenever it is needed.
Another standout feature was the college’s culture of appreciation and community. The report highlighted the weekly Thank You Box, which enables both students and staff to recognise one another’s contributions and reinforces a sense of value and belonging throughout the college.
The assessor concluded that Brian Jackson College had demonstrated effective practice across every area of the framework and stated that they had “no hesitation” in recommending the college for the award. School leads were commended for approaching the accreditation with “energy, commitment, and genuine pride” in what the college provides for its learners and staff.
Jacqui Green, Headteacher of Brian Jackson College, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Bronze School Mental Health Award. Mental health and wellbeing sit at the heart of everything we do at Brian Jackson College, and Fresh Futures, and this accreditation recognises the dedication of our staff, the voice of our students and the strong sense of community that we have built together. Following our highly positive Ofsted outcome, this is another wonderful endorsement of the caring, inclusive and ambitious environment we provide for our young people. We look forward to continuing to build on this work and ensuring that wellbeing remains a priority for everyone in our college community.”
The report also confirmed that mental health and wellbeing will remain a permanent feature of the college’s ongoing improvement plans, ensuring that support for students, staff and families continues to evolve and respond to emerging needs.
This latest achievement further reinforces Brian Jackson College‘s commitment to helping every young person thrive academically, socially and emotionally, while providing a workplace culture where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to do their very best.