How senior mental health lead training is helping schools and colleges to support mental wellbeing

Senior mental health lead training for schools

Mental health has become an increasing priority for schools and colleges and many settings have had to adopt new approaches and structures to meet the needs of their students and staff. 

Since 2021, the DfE has funded training for senior mental health leads with a grant of £1,200 per setting, supporting schools and colleges to adopt a whole-school approach to mental health.  

The programme has been a force for change at a time of huge challenge. Funding has been available since 2021, supporting schools and colleges as they began to recover from the pandemic’s impact on education and wellbeing.  

The DfE grant is coming to an end so schools and colleges must apply to reserve their grant by 31 December 2024. This deadline is your last chance to get this training free of charge.  

Schools and colleges can also apply for a second grant if their previously trained senior mental health lead has moved on.  

Secure funded training

Senior mental health lead training provides the knowledge, skills and best practice to support good mental health across education settings. According to DfE, as of May 2024, 73% of primary schools and 81% of secondary schools across England have taken up their grant. Apply for your grant now to secure one of the last fully funded places on this expert-delivered training.   

You can still sign up for our autumn and spring term training dates. 

Senior mental health lead training’s impact 

At Anna Freud, we’ve now trained over 3,000 delegates. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of survey respondents saying they would recommend our beginner and intermediate training courses. 

Attendees have also highlighted that the training has helped their schools and colleges to embed mental health-oriented practices into everyday school life. This includes incorporating mental wellbeing tips into teaching, running training sessions for staff and getting children and young people involved in creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. 

“I just found the whole thing extremely supportive, engaging and worthwhile. The follow up too was very helpful and was something to rely on if I had any questions for example. The 5-step action plan too is great and well used in our school.” 

“It was a timely and brilliant kickstart to having a more comprehensive and strategic approach to staff, parent and pupil wellbeing.” 

“The training was extremely informative and gave a holistic approach looking at all elements. This has enabled our school to take key elements and put in place new initiatives for our children, families and staff.”  

What the training involves 

The course helps senior school staff develop the knowledge and skills to implement a whole school or college approach to mental wellbeing. We provide this training online at beginner and intermediate levels. 

The beginner training focuses on foundational knowledge for those who are new to the role or have not yet taken senior mental health leadership training. You’ll learn how to use our 5 Steps framework and action planning tool to nurture mental wellbeing.  

Intermediate training is for those familiar with the role or who have received training before. This course explores Public Health England’s 8 principles to develop a whole-school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing.  

Alongside both trainings, you can access optional follow-up sessions with expert trainers, a free audit and action planning tool, a monthly newsletter with additional resources and a network to connect with peers. 

Reserve your DfE grant before 31 December to attend our senior mental health lead training for free. 

Apply for funding