We’ve Achieved National Gold Standard for Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Weston College Group is proud to announce that it has been awarded Gold reaccreditation for the nationally recognised Further Education Mental Health Award, achieving an “Excelling” judgement across every area assessed. 

The prestigious award recognises the College’s outstanding commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of both students and staff, embedding wellbeing into every aspect of college life. 

With more than 6,200 learners from a wide range of backgrounds, Weston College has developed a strong and inclusive support system designed to ensure every student feels safe, supported and able to succeed. The College was praised during the independent assessment for its whole-college approach, which includes: 

• A trauma-informed approach to teaching and support, helping students feel understood and valued 
• Dedicated mental health and wellbeing services, including counselling, mentoring and pastoral care 
• A structured system to identify and support students early, ensuring help is available at the right time 
• Innovative approaches such as the Equity in Education model, helping target support for those who need it most 

Students also benefit from a curriculum that actively promotes wellbeing, resilience and personal development, alongside regular awareness events and activities that encourage open conversations about mental health. 

The College works closely with schools, parents, carers and external organisations to provide a joined-up approach to support. Families are kept informed and involved, with access to guidance and support to help them understand and support their young person’s wellbeing. 

A key strength highlighted during the assessment was Weston College’s leadership within the education sector, working collaboratively with regional and national partners to share best practice and improve mental health support across further education. 

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO for the Weston College Group said: 

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved Gold reaccreditation with an ‘Excelling’ judgement across all areas assessed. 

“This recognition reflects the dedication and compassion of our staff, who work tirelessly to ensure every student feels supported, valued and able to thrive. Mental health and wellbeing are central to our culture at Weston College, and we remain committed to creating an environment where both students and staff can flourish.” 

The Further Education Mental Health Award recognises organisations that demonstrate a sustained and embedded commitment to mental health and wellbeing across their communities. 

The award was established by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, part of Leeds Beckett University, and social enterprise Minds Ahead. It aims to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across education settings by supporting organisations to create positive, inclusive and supportive learning environments. 

The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools 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. 

Rachel C. Boyle, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said:  

“The achievement of the Mental Health award is a demonstration of the college's significant commitment to improving children's and staff’s mental health and wellbeing. It is also a commitment to developing practices in school that seek to improve awareness and expertise in creating safe and secure learning environments in which all children can truly fulfil their potential. This award is one that all staff can be truly proud of”. 

Nationally, more than 1400 educational institutions have signed up to take part in the mental health award. 

Dean Johnstone, founder and CEO of Minds Ahead said: “This award shines a light on the excellent work schools and colleges are doing to promote mental health for their community of children, young people and adults. 

“It is thrilling and humbling to learn about Weston College and the many other educational institutions engaged in the quality award process. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition.”