By Isle of Wight Observer
Ryde School has received an award for its well-being provision for pupils and staff.
The school has been presented with the Wellbeing Award for Schools, after delivering the national framework to an excellent level, and developing a whole-school culture around mental health and well-being.
A verification report by Optimus Education, working with the National Children’s Bureau, described the impact of the school’s work as ‘clear, significant and far-reaching’.
Jemma Harding, Ryde School’s deputy head (pastoral), said: “We are so thrilled to win this award and it’s a wonderful testament to the dedication of our entire Ryde community.
“We believe emotional resilience and mental clarity are key foundations for academic success and personal growth.
“This award celebrates an inclusive culture, where every student and staff member feels safe, valued, and heard.
“This work is very much at the heart of school life at Ryde, and we will continue to do everything we can to nurture and support well-rounded individuals across our school community.”
The report said the school had embraced well-being as everybody’s business, helping to normalise conversations around mental health, remove stigma, and promote reflection. Pupils reported feeling safe, listened to and supported, while pastoral care was described as highly personalised, proactive and embedded across the school.
The school’s Health and Well-being Centre and Prep Heart Centre were praised, alongside outdoor spaces, well-being walks, and visits to the beach.
The report concluded that Ryde had created a sustainable culture in which pupils, staff, and parents, understood well-being as a shared responsibility.
