As school leaders, we are all too aware that good mental health is the foundation for thriving students and staff. In our experience at HeadteacherChat, we've seen first-hand how the culture of a school community is shaped by how we value and promote mental health. Drawing on insights from the NHS, the World Health Organisation, and our own network of school leaders, this guide shares practical strategies for understanding and supporting mental wellbeing in our schools and beyond.
Understanding Mental Health
What Constitutes Good Mental Health?The World Health Organisation sets a clear and helpful benchmark for what good mental health looks like. In our work with leaders, we've seen these qualities in the schools that flourish:
Recognising and nurturing personal strengths.
Managing everyday challenges with resilience.
Working with purpose and clarity.
Giving back to the wider school and community.
When this is embedded, both staff and students:
Feel safe, connected, and capable.
Enjoy positive relationships.
Hold a clear sense of identity, purpose, and contribution.
Recognising Poor Mental Health
From a leadership perspective, early detection is essential. Poor mental health might present as:
Low mood or persistent anxiety.
Isolation from peers.
Irritability, disengagement, or lack of focus.
Sleep disruption or changes in appetite.
In our coaching work, we've helped leaders recognise that mental health isn't always visible—but noticing patterns and having open conversations can make all the difference.
Strategies for Mental Well-being
NHS's Five Steps to Mental Well-beingAt Headteacher
Chat, we often share the NHS's five evidence-based steps as a framework for staff CPD and wellbeing initiatives:
Connect: Foster team belonging—staff briefings, coaching circles, and buddy systems matter.
Be Active: Walk-and-talk meetings, yoga, or simply using outdoor space mindfully.
Keep Learning: Encourage curiosity—whether it's CPD or a hobby shared in the staffroom.
Give to Others: Recognise peer support, mentorship, and those who go the extra mile.
Be Mindful: Model self-awareness as a leadership skill. Check-ins and reflection time help.
Source: NHS Five Steps to Mental Well-being
Accessing Support
When to Seek Help
Our advice to school leaders: if you or a colleague is:
Struggling to cope on a day-to-day basis,
Feeling overwhelmed or persistently low,
Or showing signs of distress that don't improve—
Then it's time to reach out. You don't have to do this alone.
Trusted Support ServicesWe recommend sharing these services widely in school newsletters, staffrooms, and student planners:
NHS Talking Therapies – practical, accessible help.
Samaritans – 116 123, available 24/7.
SHOUT – text "SHOUT" to 85258 for confidential support.
Mind – valuable advice and signposting.
CALM – specifically supporting men's mental health.
In urgent cases, always contact 999 or direct someone to A&E.
Workplace Mental Health
We often remind school leaders: your team can't pour from an empty cup. The WHO's guidance aligns with what we see working in UK schools:
Workload management and flexible policies.
Training for middle leaders in wellbeing-first line management.
Clear mental health support routes for staff.
These aren't extras—they're essentials.
Source: WHO Guidelines on Mental Health at Work
Conclusion
At Headteacher
Chat, we believe that mentally healthy schools are built on shared responsibility, strong relationships, and purposeful leadership. Whether you're a headteacher, a governor, or a classroom teacher—your role matters. Let's continue to place wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.
References
NHS. (n.d.). Five steps to mental wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/
NHS. (n.d.). Mental health support. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health
World Health Organization. (2022). Guidelines on mental health at work. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240053052
Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). What is good mental health?. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/your-mental-health
Mind. (n.d.). Types of mental health problems. Retrieved from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/
