River Tees Hospital School strikes gold for mental health and wellbeing
River Tees Hospital School has been awarded Gold Status in the School Mental Health Awards, run by the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University. What an incredible achievement!
This prestigious accreditation recognises schools that excel in creating supportive, inclusive environments where mental health is prioritised alongside academic success. River Tees Hospital School was praised for excelling across all eight key areas of assessment, including leadership, staff and pupil support, professional development, and partnerships with families and external services.
Part of the River Tees Multi-Academy Trust, the school has a dedicated 40-strong staff team supporting around 100 pupils from across the region. These are young people whose complex physical and mental health needs mean traditional education settings are not possible. With onsite provision at Sandringham House in Middlesbrough, and teaching delivered at James Cook University Hospital and Acklam Road Hospital, the school ensures education is accessible to pupils wherever they are.
Going the extra mile to ensure that pupils feel safe, valued, and supported
Head Teacher Adam Burns was rightfully delighted with the recognition: “This prestigious recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering mental health and wellbeing among our pupils and it’s a proud moment for our community.
“This is more than just an award, it’s a recognition of the care, dedication and deep compassion shown by our incredible team every single day. In our unique environment, where pupils are often facing some of the most difficult times in their lives, mental health and wellbeing aren’t just important, they are essential.”
The school’s holistic approach is embedded into every aspect of its work. Regular mental health assessments, personalised development plans, and strategies woven into the curriculum ensure that pupils feel safe, valued, and supported.
School Mental Health Award lead coach/verifier Sue Webb commended the school’s approach:
“The school prides itself on striving to ensure that every student thrives both academically and emotionally. Their approach seeks to create an inclusive, collaborative and responsive environment that prioritises both educational outcomes and mental health and wellbeing for students.”
“I have learnt patience, control and that anyone is capable of change with the right support”
Beyond staff expertise, the school has built strong relationships with parents, carers, health professionals, and local and national organisations to provide wrap-around care. Pupil voices are also central, with students actively contributing to wellbeing initiatives and sharing their own experiences.
The impact of this approach is clear. One parent said: “Not only have they given my daughter the best possible chance in life, but they have also supported our whole family during such a difficult time.”
Another parent shared: “Hospital School made it possible for my son to achieve his GCSEs in a safe and friendly environment. For this we as a family will be forever grateful.”
And from a pupil’s perspective:
“I honestly felt like I was hopeless, that I would have been constantly in a traumatic cycle I put myself through. Hospital School changed all that for me. I have learnt patience, control and that anyone is capable of change with the right support.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, praised the achievement: “River Tees Hospital School is an outstanding example of how education can truly change lives. This Gold Award recognises not just the dedication of staff, but also the resilience and achievements of pupils who overcome extraordinary challenges.
“It’s inspiring to see a school in our region leading the way in placing wellbeing at the very heart of education.”
River Tees Multi-Academy Trust is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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