Gordonstoun has achieved the highest UK accreditation for schools delivering outstanding mental health support for students and staff.
The school, situated on the Moray coast, has received the Gold standard ‘Boarding School Mental Health Award’ after being commended for its wellbeing provision.
The award scheme is delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools.
Only a handful of schools in Scotland have achieved the ‘Gold’ award, which was first launched in 2017.
Gordonstoun was praised for its “sense of community” which has created an environment where wellbeing is embedded across both curriculum and boarding life.
The school was highlighted for its world-famous co-curriculum which offers students numerous outdoor opportunities, along with its variety of creative arts and community events.
Carnegie said that activities such as mid-week socials, inter-house events and whole-school challenges, like Gordonstoun’s Dark Skies endurance race, contribute to a shared sense of belonging for the students.
Their awards scheme aims to strengthen pupils’ mental health by supporting schools to improve students’ outcomes and life chances.
Gordonstoun head Simon Cane-Hardy said:
“This is a wonderful accolade and a well-deserved award for staff and our partners in creating a close-knit community at Gordonstoun.
“We have students from all types of backgrounds and from more than 40 countries so it’s important to have a welcoming and inclusive culture.
“Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do for both students and staff and we are proud of the support network we have built up at Gordonstoun to encourage everyone to be the best version of themselves.
“Service is interwoven into the school culture and our strong links with the community have been pivotal in delivering a comprehensive mental health package.”
Gordonstoun works closely with a wide range of external partners to provide further support to students, staff and families.
This includes CAMHS, local wellbeing organisations, Young Minds and the Anna Freud Centre.
Students benefit from a range of support services including:
- A dedicated school counsellor, an Emotional Guidance Coach and peer support through trained Wellbeing Watchers,
- Strong pastoral and healthcare teams
- Structures such as Colour Bearers, student councils and committees allowing students to contribute to decision making
Families benefit from a 360 approach, involving seminars and training, newsletters, open days, celebrations and comprehensive signposting. There is also a 24/7 on-call system for urgent concerns and numerous people trained in things such as trauma informed practices and mental health first aid, which students, or parents can reach out to at any time.
Carnegie added that the culture of mutual respect at Gordonstoun creates an environment where staff feel trusted and valued, and where wellbeing is understood as part of professional practice rather than an additional expectation.
Staff have access to a wide range of resources and external services are complemented by a wide range of wellbeing opportunities, including ongoing training in areas of passion, swimming, sports centre usage, journal clubs, appreciation societies and shared social activities.
The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools is part of Leeds Beckett University and social enterprise Minds Ahead. It assesses eight key areas, following which recipients achieve bronze, silver or gold status for three years.
Rachel C. Boyle, Dean of Carnegie School of Education, added:
“We are delighted that Gordonstoun School have achieved the Gold level Boarding School Mental Health Award. This is a recognition of the commitment to mental health and wellbeing and reflects the collective effort of the whole school community – staff, students and families.
“At Gordonstoun School wellbeing is fundamental to education and School Leaders have created a culture where everyone feels supported, valued and empowered to thrive.”
