Barnstaple special school wins award for outstanding mental health provision

An independent special school in Barnstaple has been awarded a prestigious gold standard accolade in recognition of its outstanding provision for mental health and wellbeing.

On Track Education Barnstaple has achieved the School Mental Health Award, delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools.

The school aims to provide tailored education and pastoral support for young people who struggle to thrive in mainstream or other specialist settings.

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On Track Education Barnstaple says it offers a range of initiatives to support the well-being of both pupils and staff.

Above: Pupils take in social activities such as cooking together, using home grown ingredients to build independence and confidence.

These include regular wellbeing and mental health sessions for pupils, mindfulness and emotional regulation activities, one-to-one support with trusted adults and strong working with families and professionals.

Staff well-being is prioritised through structured support, professional development and a positive, open culture.

Above: Pupils feeling the mental health benefits of surf therapy through the Wave Project.

Maria Roberts, headteacher at On Track Education Barnstaple, said: “I am extremely proud that our school has achieved Gold Status in the School Mental Health Award.

“The well-being of our pupils and staff is central to everything we do, and this recognition reflects the dedication, care and commitment shown by our whole school community.

“Working towards this award has reinforced the importance of a whole-school approach to mental health. It has had a positive impact across the school, supporting both learning and wellbeing.”

Above: Bespoke timetables are created for students to develop resilience and self-esteem.

The school says pupils benefit from consistent routines, trusted relationships with staff, and regular opportunities to develop emotional awareness, resilience and confidence.

As well as on site learning and support, pupils engage in practical social activities such as cooking, as well as having timetables tailored to their needs and trips to outdoor spaces as well as activities such as surfing via the Wave Project.

Above: On Track Education Barnstaple uses surrounding outdoor spaces for learning and Thrive development targets to support self-regulation.

Lucy Basey-Fisher, deputy head and mental health lead, added: “We see the difference this approach makes every day. Pupils feel safe, supported and more able to engage with learning, while staff feel valued and equipped to support young people effectively.

“This award recognises the positive impact of that work.”

The School Mental Health 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 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.