Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing
At Bourne Grammar School, the welfare and wellbeing of our students are central to everything we do. We are committed to providing a safe, caring and supportive environment where every student feels valued, listened to and able to thrive. We recognise that young people may experience challenges at different stages of their education. Our pastoral teams work closely with students and families to provide guidance, reassurance and appropriate support whenever it is needed. We encourage students to speak openly about their concerns and to seek help from a trusted adult. No student should feel that they have to manage difficulties alone.
Students can access support through their Form Tutor, Head of Year, pastoral team or another trusted member of staff.
Our approach to wellbeing is also supported through our Personal Development curriculum, Wellbeing Ambassadors, Year 13 Mental Health Ambassadors, clubs, societies and wider enrichment opportunities.
We aim to help students develop resilience, confidence, positive relationships and the skills to look after their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Our student Wellbeing Ambassadors
We have Student Wellbeing Ambassadors from Year 8 through to Year 13, who help promote positive mental health and wellbeing across the school.
Our ambassadors are students who are passionate about supporting others, encouraging kindness and helping to create an environment where everyone feels included, valued and listened to.
- Provide friendly and approachable peer support.
- Raise awareness of positive mental health and wellbeing.
- Encourage kindness, empathy and positive relationships.
- Support school-wide wellbeing initiatives, including Hello Yellow and World Mental Health Day.
- Help students identify where they can access additional support.
Our ambassadors may also contribute to assemblies, awareness campaigns, displays and activities that encourage students to look after themselves and one another.
Year 13 Mental Health Ambassadors and Buddy System
Alongside our wider Wellbeing Ambassador programme, we have introduced a dedicated Year 13 Mental Health Ambassador initiative.
Our Year 13 Mental Health Ambassadors have undertaken training to develop their understanding of mental health, the importance of listening, recognising when someone may need additional support and how to signpost students to appropriate help.
As part of this initiative, the ambassadors are developing a Year 13 Buddy System, which will provide additional peer support to a selected group of Year 11 students.
We recognise that Year 11 can be a particularly demanding stage of school life, with students managing GCSE examinations, academic expectations and decisions about their next steps.
The buddy system aims to provide a supportive connection between older and younger students, giving Year 11 students an opportunity to speak with someone who has recently experienced similar challenges.
- Provide positive peer support: Offer a friendly, approachable and supportive presence for Year 11 students.
- Develop confidence and resilience: Encourage students to approach challenges positively and develop strategies for managing pressure.
- Support examination wellbeing: Share practical advice about managing GCSE stress, balancing revision with relaxation and maintaining healthy routines.
- Encourage positive relationships: Help students feel connected to the wider school community.
- Promote help-seeking: Encourage students to speak to trusted adults and access appropriate support when needed.
- Provide reassurance about next steps: Share their experiences of GCSEs, Sixth Form and the transition into post-16 education.
The buddy system is intended to complement the school’s existing pastoral provision, providing an additional layer of encouragement, reassurance and positive role modelling.
Our Mental Health Ambassadors are not counsellors and do not replace professional support. They are trained to understand the boundaries of their role and to direct any concerns to appropriate members of staff.
Through this initiative, we hope to strengthen relationships between year groups, promote a culture of kindness and ensure that students feel supported during important stages of their education.
Contact Us
If you would like more information about support at Bourne Grammar School, or if you would like to discuss your child’s wellbeing, please contact Mrs Ford, Student Manager, [email protected]
Additional Support Beyond School
A range of external organisations offer advice, guidance and specialist support for young people, parents and carers.
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Kooth – Free, anonymous mental wellbeing support for young people in Lincolnshire. https://www.kooth.com/
NHS Every Mind Matters – Practical advice on mental health and wellbeing. https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/youth-mental-health/
YoungMinds – Mental health support for young people, parents and carers. https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Hub of Hope – A UK-wide database of mental health support organisations. https://hubofhope.co.uk/
Togetherness – Resources to help build emotional resilience. https://togetherness.co.uk/mul/lincolnshire/
Our Time – Support for young people whose parents or carers experience mental health difficulties. https://ourtime.org.uk/
Anxiety, Eating Disorders and Self-Harm
Beat – Support for eating disorders. Helpline: 0808 801 0677. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
No Panic – Support for panic attacks, anxiety and OCD. https://nopanic.org.uk/youth-hub/
OCD Youth – Information and resources for young people with OCD. https://ocdyouth.org/contact/
Self-Injury Support – Specialist support and self-help resources relating to self-harm. https://www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/
Crisis and Urgent Emotional Support
Papyrus – Suicide prevention support for young people under 35. https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Samaritans – Confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day. Telephone: 116 123. https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Shout – Free, confidential 24/7 text support. Text SHOUT to 85258. https://giveusashout.org/get-help/
The Mix – Mental health information, counselling and support for young people. https://www.themix.org.uk/
The Ollie Foundation – Suicide prevention information and support. https://theolliefoundation.org/
Lincolnshire Mental Health Messaging Service – Information about NHS mental health messaging support. https://chathealth.nhs.uk/
For urgent NHS mental health support, call 111 and select the mental health option. In an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 999.
Bereavement and Family Support
Child Bereavement UK – Support for children, young people and families following bereavement. https://www.childbereavementuk.org/
Exam Stress and Academic Wellbeing
Centre33 – Exam Guidance – Practical guidance for managing exam pressures. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFelvmvRZE/MpYYu72EOzwkwusVcZpOiw/view
Kooth – Exam Stress Calm Zone – Resources to help students manage exam stress. https://explore.kooth.com/the-exam-stress-calm-zone/
Mental Health Support Video – Watch the support video. https://vimeo.com/1142108881
Physical Health and Online Safety
Diabetes UK – Guidance on supporting students with diabetes during examinations. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/children-and-diabetes/schools/school-staff/exams
Internet Watch Foundation – Advice for parents and carers about AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery. https://www.iwf.org.uk/resources/ai-child-abuse-imagery-parent-guide/