An East Renfrewshire school has been rewarded for its efforts to support the wellbeing of staff and pupils.

Mearns Castle High is the first school in Scotland to achieve the gold standard in the School Mental Health Award.

The school has a dedicated 'wellbeing hub' which provides one-to-one sessions and group activities.

It has also formed a partnership with Professor Chris Williams, of the University of Glasgow, to deliver a ground-breaking pilot programme which trains parents in approaches based on cognitive behavioural therapy to support family wellbeing.

The announcement that the Newton Mearns school is the first in Scotland to secure a gold award came on the same day it launched its new mission statement, using the motto ‘Be Your Best’ to emphasise a holistic focus on wellbeing, wider achievement and skills alongside academic attainment.

Stuart Clark, headteacher at Mearns Castle High, said: “I am extremely proud of the way the whole school community promotes wellbeing on a daily basis.

"The introduction of a range of universal and targeted approaches to wellbeing has been hugely positive and it is incredibly inspiring to hear pupils and parents talk about the impact of this work.

"So many colleagues have worked hard in this area and the achievement of this award is well-deserved recognition.”

The award was established in 2017 by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools – part of Leeds Beckett University – and social enterprise Minds Ahead.

Rachel C. Boyle, of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said: “The achievement of the mental health award is a demonstration of the school's significant commitment to improving children's and staff’s mental health and wellbeing.

"It is also a commitment to developing practices in school that seek to improve awareness and expertise in creating safe and secure learning environments in which all children can truly fulfil their potential.

"This award is one that all staff can be truly proud of.”

Dean Johnstone, founder and CEO of Minds Ahead, added: “This award shines a light on the excellent work schools are doing to promote mental health for their community of children and adults.

“It is thrilling and humbling to learn about Mearns Castle High and the many other schools engaged in the quality award process.

"I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition.”