Well-being

The well-being of every student is at the heart of our pastoral care



Our Well-being Approach 


  • We believe that happy young people become successful, resilient young people and adults.
  • We think that students learn more effectively in a school environment where there is support for their welfare, happiness and motivation.
  • We offer a non-judgemental, tolerant and respectful approach to encourage these qualities in student relationships too.


Public Health England reported that good well-being levels in students had a more significant impact on their academic achievement than their IQ (‘The Link between Pupil Health and Well-being and Attainment’, 2014)

  • ‘Effective social and emotional competencies are associated with greater health and well-being, and better achievement.’
  • ‘The culture, ethos and environment of a school influences the health and well-being of pupils and their readiness to learn.’
  • ‘A positive association exists between academic attainment and physical activity levels of pupils.’

What help is on offer?


  • Drop-in emotional support available at any time: with no waiting time and a conducive space in which to talk.
  • Early intervention to assess what the issues might be and to learn how to develop resilience from an early age. This prevents issues growing into more serious mental health problems.
  • Uniquely in Calderdale, NHGS provides a full-time, professionally qualified counsellor to offer
    support at all times, not only to support the students but also to train and support staff in well-being issues.
  • Referrals accepted from students, friends, staff and parents.


"Our sessions have helped me get through a really difficult period for me. I will be forever grateful both to yourself and the school for having a full-time counsellor ready to help any kids in need ... I can't wait to experience uni and to learn more about myself in the coming years. I'm now looking positively at things and learning to put my happiness first, and it is making the world of difference." (Student, May 2021)


"My son has been extremely fortunate to access the services from Mrs Booth and I know it has really helped him cope at school ... A huge thanks to NHGS and, of course, to Mrs Booth - more schools need a professional like this." (Parent, July 2021)


"Mrs Lamb, I have been so lucky to have your door wide open for me for the past 7 years and have appreciated your help every single time. I will never forget everything you have said to me and the fact that I have always left your office smiling and laughing." (Student, May 2021)



Well-being support for:

  • Worries and stress
  • Feeling down
  • Low self-confidence
  • Friendship issues
  • Bereavement
  • Eating issues
  • Sleep


Engagement support for:

  • Settling into school
  • Organisation
  • Exam and test stress
  • Revision skills
  • Motivation
  • Boosting
  • Concentration


Staff trained to support medical issues such as:

  • First aid
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Epilepsy
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Administering prescribed medication
  • Writing and administering care plans

"NHGS has been excellent at supporting the transition from primary to secondary school and made managing Type 1 Diabetes a normal part of school life. Support and assurance from Mrs Lamb is always on hand and we couldn't have wished for a more seamless transition ." (Parents, 2019 when we were awarded the Good Diabetes Care in School Award)