Former “crisis school” crowned happiest in the UK

LONGWOOD Primary Academy and Nursery in Harlow has won the Happiest Primary School category in the National Happiness Awards. Four years ago, the school was in special measures with high exclusions. It is now ranked as good, with outstanding leadership and management along with outstanding personal development, behaviour and welfare, by Ofsted thanks to the introduction of a range of eye-catching mental health and wellbeing initiatives, including the first UK meditation pod for pupils and staff.

The school in Harlow which was in crisis in 2014 has risen to be national leaders in wellbeing for staff and pupils. With a change of leadership in January 2015 and becoming part of the NET Academies Trust, management prioritised wellbeing and good mental health. Pupils were nurtured with the help of mental health charity Place2Be. The school launched the 50 Things at Longwood initiative, providing pupils with an extensive list of character-defining and memorable childhood experiences. Improvements since have been remarkable.

Headteacher, James Hollinsley, remarked “This tops what has been nearly 5 great years with a wonderful staff and community. We are proud to be leading the nation in placing wellbeing for staff and pupils high on the agenda as part of building better life outcomes for our children.�

The school, officially opening its redeveloped ‘Little Longwoods Early Years World’ for nursery and reception in January 2020, has been presented with three national awards around mental health and wellbeing in the last 18 months by Place2Be, TES and Laughology.