Dudley school first UK mainstream secondary to achieve Trauma-Informed Practice Award
Summerhill School in Kingswinford has been officially recognised as the first mainstream secondary school in the United Kingdom to receive the Trauma Informed Practice Award, acknowledging its exceptional commitment to supporting the emotional wellbeing and mental health of its students.
The award celebrates schools that embed trauma-informed principles across leadership, curriculum, and everyday interactions — ensuring that all students, especially those affected by adversity, feel safe, valued, and understood.
Headteacher Tim Harris said: “We’re incredibly proud to achieve this milestone. Being trauma-informed is about more than training; it’s about building a culture where empathy, understanding, and relationships are at the heart of everything we do. This recognition affirms our dedication to nurturing every young person so they can thrive both academically and personally.”
The accreditation follows years of work integrating trauma-informed thinking into daily practice. This includes whole-staff professional development, reviewing policies through a wellbeing lens, and creating calm, predictable environments that help students feel secure and ready to learn.
Students and staff at Summerhill spoke enthusiastically about the positive impact of the approach. One Year 11 student shared: “I feel like teachers really see and hear our voice — they notice when we’re struggling and help us get back on track in a calm way.”
The award’s assessors commended Summerhill’s whole-school ethos, highlighting its strong emphasis on trust, belonging, and restorative relationships between students and staff.
Summerhill’s achievement places it at the forefront of a growing movement in UK education to prioritise mental health and emotional literacy alongside academic success.
