STUDENTS and staff at Cowes Enterprise College (CEC) were celebrating last week ­— after their academy was accredited with a prestigious award.

The academy has received the Optimus Wellbeing Award for Schools, which recognises the exceptional work done by the academy to ensure mental health and wellbeing sits at the heart of school life.

CEC, which is sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), says it champions a strong commitment to creating an ethos of belonging, value, and a sense of the school as a ‘family’.

Through a bespoke curriculum and targeted intervention where necessary, it ensures every student is treated as an individual, equipping them with the tools to build resilience and skills for life.

Parents, as well as students and staff members, are encouraged to voice their ideas and concerns.

The academy has placed a high level of focus on providing relevant and current training, including mental health awareness for all staff and mental health first aid across the school for all leaders and pastoral staff.

Principal at Cowes Enterprise College, Rachel Kitley said: “Mental health and wellbeing are absolutely at the heart of what we do here at Cowes Enterprise College, and it is really great to be recognised for that.

"The past few months have presented challenges for everyone, which is why it is more important than ever that we pay attention to how students are feeling and offer them the right support.

“This will continue to be a priority through the new academic year, and we are determined to build on the strong progress we have already made.”