An Abu Dhabi school has received the School Mental Health Award, which is delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. Aspen Heights British School, part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), has been awarded ‘School Mental Health Award’ – Gold Status, by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. The school was awarded a Gold standard for its outstanding mental health and wellbeing provision.
Aspen Heights British School provides a wide range of activities to enhance the wellbeing of pupils and staff. The school’s student-led Mental Health Ambassador Programme, recognised at the 2024 Mentl Awards, exemplifies this commitment. Staff benefit from dedicated wellbeing weeks, featuring early finishes and professional coaching. Parents gain valuable insights through workshops in English and Arabic, including the Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting course delivered in collaboration with the Early Childhood Authority (ECA).
Strong partnerships with leading local mental health providers like Amana Healthcare, the Abu Dhabi School Counsellors’ Network, and the BSME Wellbeing Network position the school as a leader in supporting community mental health and wellbeing.
The school has integrated the culturally relevant PSHE Curriculum, the Elggo Well-being Platform, and provides dedicated in-school counselling spaces. A tri-pronged referral system with QR-code access offers counselling support for staff, families, and students. Regular newsletters and workshops on anxiety, family wellbeing, online safety, and resilience further engage and support families.
Aspen Heights British School’s Principal Emma Shanahan said: “It is an incredible honour to be recognised with the Gold Carnegie Award for our unwavering commitment to mental health and wellbeing, as we strive to deliver real impact for our community of students, staff, and parents. At Aspen Heights British School, we believe that emotional wellbeing is the foundation for learning and growth, allowing students to thrive academically and personally. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have dedicated their time and efforts to provide a holistic, supportive, and empowering environment for all our students and staff.”
Rory Galvin, Director of Learning, ISP – Middle East, said “This award recognises something we already know- that Aspen Heights British School is leading the way in creating a school culture where wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership genuinely thrive. What stands out is how the work goes beyond provision, it is embedded, student-led, and having real impact. This is with our focus on the ISP Life Competencies strategy in ensuring students develop resilience, empathy, and the confidence to support themselves and each other. Congratulations to the whole Aspen community- this is well deserved.”
A focal point of Aspen Heights British School’s mental health provision is its inclusive and data-driven approach to guide early intervention. The school celebrates Anti-Bullying and Mental Health Week annually and actively challenges stigma with clear counselling pathways introduced at the start of each academic year. Student-led “Let’s Talk” forums further promote open dialogue on anxiety, identity, and peer relationships.
Aspen Heights British School has also taken the lead in hosting the Global Wellness Day Ambassador programme and introduced Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting for parents, an internationally validated programme.
The school counsellor Mrs Redah Khan reflected: “The Gold Award process has been incredibly reaffirming and deeply motivating. It has provided an opportunity to reflect on just how far we’ve come in building a culture where mental health and wellbeing are prioritised across our school community. It’s been especially powerful to see students not only seek support for themselves but also step into leadership roles as Mental Health Ambassadors and Peer Protectors, helping to break stigma and create a positive ripple effect throughout the school. Students at Aspen Heights British School know when, where, and how to seek support when they need it.”
The award was established in 2017 by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools – part of Leeds Beckett University – and social enterprise Minds Ahead.
The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools aims to strengthen pupils’ mental health by supporting schools to make a positive change at all levels of the UK’s education system, improving students’ outcomes and life chances.
Rachel C. Boyle, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said: “The achievement of the Mental Health award is a demonstration of the school’s significant commitment to improving children’s and staff’s mental health and wellbeing. It is also a commitment to developing practices in school that seek to improve awareness and expertise in creating safe and secure learning environments in which all children can truly fulfil their potential. This award is one that all staff can be truly proud of.”
Aspen Heights British School, located in Al Bahya area of Abu Dhabi offers the National Curriculum for England to students Nursery (FS1) to Year 11, and the IBDP to students in Years 12 and 13. The school provides a high level of pastoral care and a strong sense of community, underpinned by an approach to teaching and learning that focuses on each child’s personal, social, emotional and academic development.
