The British School of Barcelona is proud to announce that it has successfully renewed its Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS) accreditation for a further three years, recognising the school’s ongoing commitment to placing wellbeing at the heart of school life.

Awarded by Optimus Education in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau, the Wellbeing Award for Schools celebrates schools that demonstrate outstanding practice in supporting the emotional wellbeing and mental health of students, staff, and the wider school community.

BSB first achieved the award in 2022 and, following a rigorous reassessment process in 2026, has once again been recognised for its whole-school approach to wellbeing. The verifier endorsed BSB’s continued accreditation for a further three years, describing the school’s commitment to emotional wellbeing and mental health as deeply embedded throughout its culture and daily practice.

Carol Coleman, Director of Student Support, Child Protection and Wellbeing Coordinator, reflected on the achievement: ‘The reassessment process provided us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on our practice, celebrate the many thoughtful and proactive initiatives in place, and recognise the impact of our work across the school. It also helped us identify areas where we can continue strengthening the support and care we provide to our school community.’

Highlights from the Report
The reassessment report praised BSB’s exemplary evidence portfolio, highlighting how the school continuously evaluates and develops its wellbeing provision through stakeholder feedback, annual wellbeing surveys, and strategic planning. Students, parents, staff, and school leaders all contributed to the process, demonstrating the importance BSB places on listening to every voice within the community.

Among the strengths identified were BSB’s student-led 7 Steps Emotional Intelligence Programme, the training of more than forty staff members in ‘accidental counselling’, reflective supervision programmes for staff wellbeing, and the introduction of new initiatives such as Zones of Regulation and Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA) to support self-regulation and social development. The report also recognised the school’s strong partnerships with families and external wellbeing professionals.

Students involved in the reassessment spoke positively about the support available at school, including wellbeing lessons, assemblies, friendship initiatives, and peer leadership opportunities. Parents praised the school’s welcoming atmosphere and responsiveness to concerns, while staff highlighted the strong culture of care and professional support that exists across the school.

A Supportive, Professional and Reflective Process
BSB’s Executive Principal, Neil Tetley, welcomed the positive outcome of the reassessment. ‘It is great to receive this positive endorsement of what we are doing in the area of wellbeing,’ he said. ‘The process has been a really positive experience, allowing us to reflect on our provision, remind ourselves of the progress we have made, and identify where we want to focus next.’

Mr Tetley also praised the reassessment process for encouraging honest discussions about the school’s strengths and future priorities. As BSB celebrates this achievement, the school remains committed to ensuring that every student feels happy, supported, and inspired to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.