At St Margaret’s, we believe that good mental health begins with looking in — understanding ourselves and recognising when we need support — and continues with reaching out to those around us. Our pastoral care is central to our ethos, and we work hard to ensure that every pupil feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.

Alongside this article, we’re sharing a short video featuring some top tips for pupil wellbeing and a reminder of how to reach out for help.

Top Tips for Looking After Your Mental Health

Prioritise your physical health
Your body and mind are deeply connected. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and consistent sleep patterns can all boost your mood and energy levels.

Stay connected
Spend time with friends, family, and positive role models. Building a supportive network and joining clubs or activities that interest you can help you feel part of something bigger.

Practise self-care
Create realistic routines, allow time for relaxation, and make space for hobbies. A healthy work–life balance is key to resilience.

Be kind to yourself
Mindfulness, journaling, or simple breathing exercises can help calm your thoughts and keep you grounded.

Ask for help early
Reaching out is a sign of strength. Talk to friends, classmates, or a trusted adult when you’re struggling. The earlier you ask for help, the easier it is to find a way forward.

Accessing Support at St Margaret’s

Our pastoral care system ensures that no pupil faces challenges alone. Support can be found through a range of channels, both in person and online:

Form Tutors and Heads of Year know their pupils well and provide day-to-day guidance, monitoring both wellbeing and academic progress.

The Welfare Hub is staffed by trained welfare officers and counsellors who are always ready to listen.

The Safeguarding Team and School Nurses are approachable points of contact for wellbeing or health concerns.

Peer Mentors — older pupils who support younger ones — help to foster friendships built on empathy, understanding and trust.

The Pupil Wellbeing Page on the school intranet provides access to resources, wellbeing newsletters, and a self-referral form for those who prefer to reach out confidentially online.

Pupil Voice Pigeon Holes and Worry Boxes— Junior School children can also self-refer confidentially through the Pupil Voice pigeon holes, where they can post handwritten worries or concerns. Each class also has its own Worry Box, giving pupils an easy and reassuring way to ask for help or share something that’s on their mind. Staff check these regularly and respond with care, helping every child feel listened to and supported.

All concerns are logged and followed up by a member of our Welfare Team, ensuring a collaborative approach that will include  parents or guardians where appropriate. Every situation is treated with care, confidentiality and compassion.

A Community That Cares

At St Margaret’s, pastoral care extends beyond formal systems — it’s woven into daily school life. Through tutorials, PSHE lessons, assemblies, and a strong pupil voice, we encourage open conversations about mental health.

As we mark World Mental Health Day, we are reminded that wellbeing is a journey, not a destination. Life will always have challenges, but with the right support, no one should face them alone. This World Mental Health Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to look in — to notice how you’re feeling — and to reach out, knowing that help and understanding are always close by.