It is all smiles at an Epsom school after it became the first in the UK to be awarded a "gold standard" for the way it tackles mental health and wellbeing.

When you walk into Epsom and Ewell High School, it isn't just maths and history that you will be learning.

Pilates classes, mindfulness sessions and peer friendship groups are all part of the curriculum as it tries to boost the wellbeing of not only the students, but staff as well.

Because of this, the school has achieved the highest standard when applying for the Carnegie Centre of Excellence Mental Health Award for Schools, something headteacher James Newman was delighted about.

“I am extremely proud that Epsom and Ewell High School is the first secondary school in the UK to receive the gold standard for the School Mental Health Award," he said.

“Staff and students have worked hard to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health and have created a special environment within school which has had a hugely positive impact on teaching, learning and wellbeing.”

A focal point of the school’s mental health project is 'the wave' - a support centre that addresses the emotional side of student life while working with external agencies.

“Students, teachers and parents are now very aware of the comprehensive mental health provision that we offer and the key part it plays in our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning," Mr Newman said.

“As a result, we have seen an increase in the number of children speaking about their mental health issues and reduction in the stigma around it, which then positively impacts their ability to do well at school”.