Home Pastoral Mental Health & Wellbeing

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Creating an environment where every child can thrive.

Mental health and wellbeing

An environment where every child can thrive

Wellbeing sits at the heart of happiness, confidence and success. When young people feel safe, understood and supported, they are able to flourish — academically, socially and emotionally.

Our approach

Wellbeing at the heart

The WHO definition

The World Health Organization describes mental health as a state of wellbeing in which a person can realise their abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute to their community. We embrace this understanding wholeheartedly. For us, mental health is not just about responding when things go wrong — it is about creating an environment where every child feels valued, resilient and able to thrive.

Our commitment

Our commitment to your child

We are committed to nurturing positive mental health and emotional wellbeing for all members of our school community — students, families, staff and Governors. We understand that childhood and adolescence can bring challenges, and we want every family to feel confident that support is available when it is needed.

Through a combination of whole-school approaches and carefully targeted support, we work to ensure that:

Safe & respected

Every student feels safe, listened to and respected.

Open conversation

Mental health is spoken about openly and without stigma.

Trained staff

Staff are trained to recognise early signs that a young person may be struggling.

Knowing where to turn

Students know where to turn for help — and feel confident doing so.

Support for parents

Parents and carers are supported and signposted to specialist services where appropriate.

Beyond the moment

Building resilience for life

We do more than respond to difficulties — we actively teach and promote resilience, coping strategies and emotional awareness. Our aim is to equip young people with the tools they need not only to manage challenges now, but to navigate life beyond school with confidence and strength.

Staff wellbeing too

A culture of care

We also recognise that staff wellbeing matters. By supporting the adults in our community, we create a culture of care and compassion that benefits every child.

Further reading

Policy documents

Further details of the support available at SHSB can be found in our Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy and Wellbeing Provision documents.

Policy

Mental Health & Wellbeing Policy

Read the full policy document for detail on the school's approach to mental health and wellbeing.

Concerned about a student's wellbeing?

Speak to your child's tutor, Head of Year, or the safeguarding team.

Contact the school

Pastoral

Every student is known, valued and supported.

Curriculum

A world-class, ambitious curriculum that inspires a love of learning.

Enrichment

Explore, discover, and embrace new experiences.

Community

Part of something bigger, our wider school family.

Forti Nihil Difficile
With courage and determination, nothing is impossible

Visit SHSB

Come and visit us

The best way to experience Southend High School for Boys is in person. Join us at an Open Event or arrange a tour with our admissions team.

Explore Admissions