SPRING 2026
HEAD’S LINES...
WELLBEING AT WGS Withington Girls’ School began the Spring term on a celebratory note after receiving the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS), a national accreditation that recognises our school’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of pupils and staff. This achievement comes in the same academic year that the school was recognised – as reported in our last issue – for the seventh consecutive year by The Sunday Times Schools Guide as the top performing independent school in the North West.
We are delighted that this award recognises our sustained commitment to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. We were also pleased that many of the strengths identified in the verification reinforce that our wellbeing practice is centred around research and evidence and the high level of cohesion across the pupil community, which was previously recognised in our most recent school inspection. The receipt of this award followed a rigorous 12 month process involving the WAS verifier and contributions from pupils, parents, staff and governors. Evidence gathered though surveys, interviews and a school tour was compiled into a detailed report, which affirmed that Withington has a mature, embedded and evolving wellbeing culture. The findings reflect not only our formal wellbeing initiatives but also the everyday culture of care that underpins school life.
Some of the highlights from the report include: Pupils expressed that they never feel “lost in the crowd” and that their individual needs are recognised.
WI TH ING TO N GIR LS '
SC HO OL
has been awarded
The Wellbeing Award
for Schools
Positive Mental Health A National Standard for and Emotional Wellbeing Date of issue: 17 DECEMBER Expires: 17 DECEMBER
2025
2028
Steph Reynolds us Education Managing Director, Optim
Anna Feuchtwang Chief Executive, NCB
Pupils identified a range of wellbeing avenues available to them, including wellbeing ambassadors, the school counsellor, and sixth form mentors. They shared that it can sometimes be easier to talk to peers, and the peer support structure is valued. Pupils also highlighted the wide range of extra-curricular activities available. They reported that these opportunities have enabled them to try new experiences, build friendships, and enjoy social time outside of lessons.
Parents commented that pastoral support is extensive and that wellbeing is firmly embedded within the school’s ethos and principles.
Parents emphasised that the school is highly responsive, and that they have never been left waiting for communication or support. They expressed complete confidence in their ability to access help whenever required.
Parents shared that they continue to be positively surprised by the breadth and quality of support offered. Although the school is widely recognised for its academic success, they highlighted that it also actively celebrates culture and fosters a strong sense of community.
Dear Readers Welcome to our Spring Bulletin 2026, compiled at the end of a very rewarding and successful term during which so much has been enjoyed and achieved. Our pupils have taken part in a fantastic range of activities, have excelled in many fields, and most importantly, have given of their best and supported each other and their teachers, in our very special WGS environment which nurtures and empowers in equal measure. Our Spring Term began with the news that Withington had achieved the Wellbeing Award for Schools, the result of a 12 month accreditation process which involved pupils, staff, parents, and governors. Pastoral care and wellbeing are the very heart of our school and we were delighted to receive this external recognition of our ongoing commitment to wellbeing for the benefit of all in our community; pupils, staff and parents. This theme continued into February with our annual festival of wellbeing - Feel Fab Feb - which once again saw staff and pupils work together to share an enriching programme for body and mind from arts and crafts, dance and yoga, to an opportunity to reflect on the importance of friends, of reading and storytelling, to consider the impact of technology on our lives, and to learn skills in how to disagree well. Our celebration of Greek Theatre was a fabulous evening of scholarly appreciation, dramatic and musical creativity, imagination, and flair. An undoubted highlight of this term has been our Futures Convention when WGS pupils and young people from visiting schools, created a wonderful buzz of... Continued on page 2...