Wellbeing and Mental Health

Pupil Wellbeing

We work hard to promote positive wellbeing among our pupils. In addition to the pastoral care provided by our staff, our pastoral provision is enhanced by pupil wellbeing initiatives and support services, including Take 5, Being Well Doing Well, and the Emotional Wellbeing Teams in Schools service.

St. Mary’s is proud to be a Take 5 Champion School. This designation recognises the school’s commitment to the promotion of emotional health and well-being throughout the school community.  Building upon the Level 3 accreditation achieved in 2022, 2023 and 2024, St. Mary’s received the Take 5 Schools Platinum Award in June 2025 in recognition of its sustained focus on educating young people about emotional well-being.

Being Well, Doing Well Programme

Since 2023, St. Mary’s has been part of the EA Being Well, Doing Well programme.  This programme provides a framework through which the school evaluates its provision in the area of emotional health and well-being, including offering the whole school community the opportunity to share their views through surveys and questionnaires.  Being Well, Doing Well also provides school staff with access to relevant professional development courses. 

Emotional Wellbeing Teams in Schools

St. Mary’s has an established partnership with the Emotional Wellbeing Teams in Schools Service.  This partnership has enabled pupils to explore issues in relation to emotional well-being through a series of workshops and presentations delivered by the school’s assigned Well-Being Practitioner, including themes such as ‘Dealing with Feelings’, ‘Conquering Exam Stress’ and ‘Real Connections’.  St. Mary’s continues to avail of support from the Emotional Wellbeing Teams in Schools Service through resources and advice.