BET Featured School: Epsom & Ewell High School pioneering inclusion and wellbeing

At Bourne Education Trust, we believe that an exceptional education extends far beyond academic achievement. This philosophy is exemplified by Epsom & Ewell High School (EEHS), where inclusion, wellbeing and pastoral support form the cornerstone of their educational approach.

"We understand that excellence in teaching and learning is built on four crucial pillars: Teaching, Learning, Leadership and Wellbeing," explains Oli Daniels, Assistant Head and Inclusion Lead. "By excelling in all these areas, we achieve our core aim of providing an outstanding education for every pupil."

This holistic vision is realised through EEHS's innovative curriculum. Dedicated lessons are embedded into the school day, addressing what kind of learners pupils want to be and how they can positively approach challenges both inside and outside the classroom. These sessions cover various wellbeing aspects, from mental health and mindfulness to self-efficacy and leadership skills. A unique feature, the 'Red to Blue' programme, helps pupils self-assess their emotional state and learn regulation techniques, while physical wellbeing sessions complement these efforts, developing self-esteem, leadership and promoting overall health.

EEHS's commitment to mental health is particularly noteworthy, with the school becoming the first in the UK to receive the Schools Mental Health Gold Award from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence. This prestigious award recognised EEHS's comprehensive support and education programmes that successfully addressed the stigma surrounding mental health, with the school demonstrating not only robust internal structures and strategies but also a commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices nationally and internationally.

The impact of this dedication is far-reaching, improving pupil and staff self-confidence, resilience and mental health. It has led to better outcomes across the board and fostered a culture of awareness, tolerance and, importantly, acceptance around mental health both in school and beyond.

Central to EEHS's inclusive approach is their Internal Team Around the Family (ITAF), a multifaceted support system of key internal stakeholders and external agencies. Operating from the school's inclusion hub, this team ensures that any barriers to learning are promptly addressed, supporting pupils in accessing their education and realising their potential. The ITAF encompasses a wide range of specialised services, including attendance monitoring, a Buddy Up system (targeted intervention with qualified youth support workers), East to West relational support for pupils and families, ELSA (emotional literacy) support, ESOL (English speakers for other languages), external counselling, 1:1 learning mentors, a Mental Health Support Team providing early help for pupils, staff and parents, Provision for Deaf pupils, weekly drop in sessions with the school nurses team, SEND support, and The Wave - the school's all-encompassing safeguarding and wellbeing hub open daily for pupils.

EEHS's commitment to diverse learning needs is further exemplified by two standout specialist centres. The Provision for Deaf (P4D) caters to both oral pupils and those requiring sign support, offering one-on-one tutorials, small group teaching and in-class support from trained staff. Additionally, EEHS hosts one of the Southcote Centres, providing a unique learning environment for pupils who benefit from bespoke and targeted provision across a mainstream setting while retaining specialist intervention.

Leveraging technology, EEHS uses the Class Charts system to monitor fluctuations in pupils' wellbeing. This enables staff to identify trends and facilitate timely pastoral interventions, especially for vulnerable learners.

The school's dedication has not gone unnoticed. In their 2022 report, Ofsted praised EEHS, stating, "Leaders give pupils' mental and physical health a high priority. The school is the proud recipient of the gold Mental Health Award for Schools. This award offers a framework for improving mental health and wellbeing for staff and pupils."

Alex Russell, BET CEO, commented: "Epsom & Ewell High School truly embodies Bourne Education Trust's commitment to providing an extraordinary education. Their innovative approaches to inclusion, wellbeing and pastoral support create an environment where every pupil can thrive. When academic excellence is combined with such comprehensive support, we witness the incredible potential of our pupils being realised."

Looking to the future, EEHS plans to develop a new inclusion facility at the heart of the school and a wellbeing garden, further underlining their commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive educational environment.

At Bourne Education Trust, we are proud to celebrate Epsom & Ewell High School's outstanding work in fostering inclusion, wellbeing and pastoral support - key elements in shaping the future of education.