Hampshire pupils recognised for creative plans to improve pupils' wellbeing

Priestlands School in Lymington, The Hamble School, Crookhorn College in Waterlooville and The New Forest Academy are among 76 schools in Hampshire, including 10 special schools, taking part in the #BeeWell programme, which seeks the views of young people in a bid to influence and improve the wellbeing services available to them. The programme was launched in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton in March last year and is being delivered over three years with the support of the region’s local authorities including Hampshire County Council. 

Surveys designed with the input of local young people were delivered in participating schools in autumn 2023, asking year 8 and 10 pupils for their views on a range of topics including their emotions, relationships, and health. Following the release of the survey results in March this year, pupils in individual schools have created tailored action plans designed to address their peers’ feedback. The four schools in the New Forest, Hamble, and Waterlooville have each received funding from the #BeeWell programme after a panel of local young people judged their action plans to be the best, based on various criteria including the anticipated impact of their plans on pupils’ wellbeing.  

Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “We know that health and wellbeing is a hugely important topic for Hampshire’s young people, who voted this as one of their top priorities in this year’s Make Your Mark youth consultation. We also know how crucial it is for our young people to have a voice in their local communities, so I am delighted to see so many engaging in discussions about their wellbeing and being inspired by the #BeeWell programme to take positive action.  

“Congratulations and well done to our pupils in the winning schools who have shown particular enthusiasm, initiative and imagination in their action plans. I look forward to seeing the results of their work and that of our wider participating schools across Hampshire.” 

Priestlands School has scooped the top prize of £2,000 for its action plan, designed by 17 students to boost their peers’ physical activity and help them better manage their emotions. Planned initiatives include the provision of new sports in and out of school such as rock climbing, and a wellbeing day where students will have the opportunity to take part in therapeutic activities including meeting animals and yoga.  

Peter Main, Headteacher of Priestlands School, commented: “We were thrilled to be the winners of the #BeeWell prize. The wellbeing of our students is at the forefront of everything we do. We look forward to being able to make a greater impact with the support of #BeeWell in the coming academic year.” 

Runners-up Crookhorn College, The Hamble School, and The New Forest Academy have each received £750 to support the delivery of their plans to improve pupils’ sense of belonging within school, targeting a range of issues including school pressure and loneliness. Plans include drop-in wellbeing sessions at The Hamble School, peer support groups and a study club providing snacks at Crookhorn College and, at The New Forest Academy, the creation of a new sensory room. 

These funded activities will come alongside a number of other additional actions including the delivery of anxiety workshops and better signposting within school to appropriate sources of support.  

Three other schools in the wider region, including a special school in Southampton, have also received prizes for their respective action plans. All participating schools across the region are continuing to be supported by the #BeeWell programme and its partners to interpret and act on their individual survey results, with young people themselves being empowered to lead on this work.  

Visit the #BeeWell website for more information about the programme in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.