One in ten children and young people aged between 5 and 16 are classified as having a diagnosable mental health problem, according to the Mental Health Foundation: a number that is expected to be far less than the actual amount.

In December 2017, the government released the Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Provision Green Paper, which proposes a number of significant changes to the way that mental health services are provided for children and young people. Proposals include creating a new workforce of community-based mental health support teams, a designated lead for mental health within every school and college, and a new 4 week waiting time for NHS children’s and young people’s mental health services.

Although initiatives outlined in the Green Paper do not necessarily apply to independent schools, pupil mental wellbeing is an area that the HMC have been working on since 2015. As outlined by the ISI in their statement on the Green Paper, it will be of interest to independent schools who have faced challenges in supporting young people to access help to incorporate initiatives into their school’s wellbeing strategy.

The first data on mental health trends in independent schools, published by the HMC in 2015, highlighted that concerns over pupil wellbeing was increasing. 87% of schools reported depression as a concern and 85% reported that eating disorders were a worry. This demonstrates that pupil wellbeing is also a prevalent issue among independent schools and highlights the urgent need for steps to be taken to enhance wellbeing.

The independent schools sector has responded to this by promoting greater discussion around pupil wellbeing, improving pastoral care systems and implementing initiatives designed to build emotional resilience. More than 80% of HMC boarding schools and 65% of day schools now have in-house counselling services.

With shocking figures coming to light demonstrating the crisis of children and young people’s mental health in the UK, and the role that schools can play in supporting pupil wellbeing now in the national spotlight, it is imperative that independent schools are implementing effective pupil wellbeing strategies in their school. This will require developing innovative initiatives to support pupils, training staff to identify and tackle mental health issues and working in partnership with the voluntary sector to raise awareness among pupils, staff and parents.

This one day forum will examine the new measures designed to improve children and young people’s mental wellbeing and explore how to implement these effectively in independent schools. Participants will hear from leading policy experts on promoting greater wellbeing in schools, training staff to support pupils and taking a preventative approach to pupil wellbeing. In addition, best practice case studies will share innovative methods and resources designed to improve student mental wellbeing and develop a whole-school approach to pupil resilience.

Key speakers include:
• Rhiannon Williams, Deputy Chief Inspector, Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
• Robin Fletcher, CEO, Boarding Schools Association.

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There are three ways to register: call: 0203 770 6580; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or click the link below to visit the event website.