Wiltshire Schools recognised for encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting wellbeing
Friday 28th February 2025
Thirteen schools across Wiltshire have been recognised for their efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting wellbeing.
Sarum Academy staff, students and Youth Councillors from South Wilts Grammar School.
Wiltshire Healthy Schools is a Wiltshire Council programme designed to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Using the whole school approach and teaching Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, schools can build on previous developments to actively promote learning and healthy lifestyle choices.
Currently 125 schools are participating with the programme, with 88 gaining an award for their commitment to these goals.
The 13 schools submitted evidence to a local multiagency group, describing their school provision and the difference that their work has made to the health of pupils. Several of the schools achieving the award were also visited by Wiltshire Youth Councillors who provided feedback.
Schools can apply for accreditation at three levels: bronze, silver or gold level.
Amy Tanker, Wiltshire Council Young Carers Voice Worker, Nick Bolton, Wiltshire Council Healthy Schools Programme Lead, Georgina Keily-Theobald, Headteacher Downland School and Nathan Huntley, SEND Ambassador.
The schools that gained accreditation during the latest round are:
- Bradon Forest School - bronze award
- Burbage Primary School - silver award
- Castle Mead School - gold award
- Downland School - bronze award
- Exeter House School - bronze award
- Holy Rood Catholic Primary School (Swindon) - silver award
- Kington St Michael CE Primary School - bronze award
- Monkton Park Primary School - bronze award
- Pitton Primary - bronze award
- River Mead - bronze award
- Sarum Academy - bronze award
- St Bartholomew's Primary Academy - gold award
- Warminster School - bronze award
Nick Bolton Wiltshire Council Healthy Schools Programme Lead with Rosie Bath and Tina Maskell (Co-Headteacher) from Exeter House School.
Exeter House
Some examples of recent work include:
- Bradon Forest was praised for valuing pupil voice and providing opportunities for students to influence school life. The school has a popular activity programme for students called WHOOSH.
- A Daily Mile was introduced at Burbage School, which increased levels of physical activity and attentiveness in class.
- Castle Mead School increased the numbers of children brushing their teeth twice a day, alongside work to promote sun safety and the School Parliament supports the planning of key events during the year.
- At Downland School pupils are taught about budgeting and providing nutritious family meals. Students enjoy the food choices provided and are encouraged to stay active at break and lunchtimes.
- Staff at Exeter House School have access to a variety of training with a focus on wellbeing and healthy lifestyles. Students are supported to feel safe and as independent as possible.
- Holy Rood Catholic Primary School worked with children and parents to increase the numbers of children eating a healthy lunch and also engaged in supervised tooth brushing.
- Sarum Academy has a strong peer mentoring scheme, a focus on healthy eating and the school supports students effectively with their mental health.
- The active involvement of children in many aspects of the life of the school is a strength at St Bartholomew's Primary Academy, where successful work has taken place to improve oral health.
Pupils from Holy Rood Cathollic Primary School, Swindon with The Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Imtiyaz Shaikh and his wife, Cllr Adorabelle Shaikh and Nick Bolton, Wiltshire Council Healthy Schools Programme Lead.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: "Our Wiltshire Healthy Schools programme recognises the hard work of our school communities to create a healthy space for pupils to learn and grow. We have some amazing initiatives from schools who have taken a step back and considered what would really make a difference and these have had a positive impact on pupils and the whole school community. I'm delighted that so many schools have received this award, and I would encourage more to come forward in the future."
Schools can join the Wiltshire Healthy Schools programme, or prepare for reaccreditation, by purchasing the Healthy Schools package form the Right Choice store.
Contact nick.bolton@wiltshire.gov.uk for more information.
