Four years ago, Car Mill Primary School in St Helens, Merseyside, embarked on a new whole-school approach to mental health that has delivered some remarkable results.

Overcoming hurdles such as low attendance, limited aspirations and a lack of trust among families, the school has experienced a 75% decrease in referrals to tier three mental health services, improved attendance, fewer persistent absences, and much more. Its approach earned the school the Pupil Mental Health Initiative of the Year award in the 2025 Tes Schools Awards.

But what does a whole-school approach to mental health look like in practice? From embedding ‘botheredness’ and curriculum time to sing-alongs, social media and staff training, Car Mill Primary’s deputy head teacher for pastoral and inclusion Katie Alexander shares the school’s journey with NAHT assistant general secretary James Bowen.

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