BGS has been shortlisted for the wellbeing initiative of the year award, in the 2020 Tes Independent School Awards.
BGS’s ‘Happiness’ campaign promoted contentment and wellbeing among its students, staff and the local community. It brought together more than 35 leading national charities including Time to Change, Rethink Mental Illness, Anxiety UK and No Panic and was praised for making an important contribution to the school’s wider community.
At the heart of the campaign was a publicly available website which featured mental health stories told through the voices of parents, pupils, teachers and staff.
Simon Hinchliffe, BGS Headmaster, said: “We proactively encourage good physical and mental health at Bradford Grammar School. By reflecting upon the triggers that make us both happy and sad, and taking positive action on behalf of ourselves and others, our ongoing ‘Happiness’ work has actively fostered wellbeing at BGS.
“At the outset, we wanted to make a difference by sharing our voices, through a public resource, to benefit everyone at school and to help raise awareness within our local community, Yorkshire and nationwide.”
Tes Editor Ann Mroz said: “The Independent schools in this country are truly exceptional and those that have earned a place on the Tes Independent School Awards shortlist are a cut above the rest. We received an unparalleled number of entries this year, all of which were first rate. The schools that have been shortlisted should be proud – it’s a remarkable achievement.”
Jane Chapman, Assistant Head (Pastoral), said: “Colleagues, students and their families were very supportive of this campaign which reminded the school community how highly BGS values the happiness of everyone in the school. This initiative reflects our strong commitment to the wellbeing of our students and the wider school community.
“In an age of growing anxiety about the pressures put on young people to succeed, this award helps to highlight and lead the way in promoting the important message that everyone has the right to be happy and that good mental health is always a priority.”
The Tes Independent School Awards recognises the most outstanding individuals and institutions that the independent sector has to offer.
The winners will be revealed at a gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on Friday 7 February 2020.
To see the full list of who is in the running visit isawards.co.uk
“Colleagues, students and their families were very supportive of this campaign which reminded the school community how highly BGS values the happiness of everyone in the school.
This initiative reflects our strong commitment to the wellbeing of our students and the wider school community.”
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