Woodside Academy Bexley Lauded for Mental Health Work 2026

Key Points

• Woodside Academy, a special school in Bexley, has been recognised for its outstanding work in supporting pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.
• It is the only special school among 16 involved in the Mayor of London’s mental health in schools programme.
• Deputy Mayor Joanne McCartney AM visited the academy recently to showcase its approach to embedding emotional wellbeing throughout the curriculum and school life.
• Ms McCartney praised the school’s exceptional work, describing it as an inspiring example of inclusive, emotionally nurturing education.
• The visit highlights the school’s commitment from staff and the confidence shown by pupils, making a real difference to young Londoners’ lives.
• The programme aims to make London the best city in the world to grow up in by prioritising young people’s mental health as a key investment in the capital’s future.
• Woodside Academy demonstrates what can be achieved through dedicated efforts in special education settings.

Bexley (South London News) February 18, 2026 – Woodside Academy, the only special school participating in the Mayor of London’s mental health in schools programme among 16 involved institutions, has received high praise for its pioneering efforts in supporting pupils’ mental health and wellbeing. Deputy Mayor Joanne McCartney AM visited the school recently to observe firsthand how emotional wellbeing is woven into every aspect of the curriculum and daily school life. This recognition underscores the academy’s role as a leader in inclusive education for vulnerable young people.

What Made Woodside Academy Stand Out in the Programme?

Woodside Academy distinguished itself as the sole special school within the Mayor of London’s initiative, which encompasses 16 schools across the capital. The programme focuses on enhancing mental health support in educational settings, and Woodside’s participation highlights its innovative strategies tailored to pupils with special educational needs.

During her visit, Deputy Mayor Joanne McCartney AM was able to witness the practical implementation of these approaches. As reported in coverage from local Bexley sources, the academy has embedded emotional wellbeing into its core operations, from lesson planning to extracurricular activities. This holistic method ensures that mental health support is not an add-on but a fundamental part of the school’s ethos.

The Deputy Mayor’s presence elevated the profile of these efforts, drawing attention to how special schools can lead the way in nurturing environments. Staff dedication and pupil confidence were evident throughout the visit, serving as tangible proof of the programme’s impact.

Who is Joanne McCartney and Why Did She Visit?

Joanne McCartney AM serves as the Deputy Mayor of London with responsibilities encompassing education, skills, and social integration. Her visit to Woodside Academy was specifically to showcase the school’s exemplary practices within the Mayor’s mental health in schools programme.

As stated directly by Ms McCartney during the visit: “Supporting young people’s mental health is one of the most important investments we can make in London’s future, as we work to make the capital the best city in the world to grow up in.” This quote, captured in official announcements from the Greater London Authority, reflects her commitment to prioritising wellbeing in education.

She further elaborated:

“It has been inspiring to see the exceptional work taking place at Woodside Academy.”

Ms McCartney highlighted the school’s unique position, noting, “As the only special school in the programme, they are demonstrating what inclusive, emotionally nurturing education can achieve.”

What Did Joanne McCartney Specifically Say About the School?

Ms McCartney’s statements during the visit were unequivocal in their praise. She remarked on the clarity of the staff’s commitment and the pupils’ confidence, observing:

“The commitment of staff and the confidence of pupils is clear, and this work is making a real difference to young Londoners’ lives as we build a better, fairer London for all.”

These comments, as reported across Bexley and London education outlets, emphasise the broader implications for the capital. By spotlighting Woodside Academy, she positioned it as a model for other institutions, particularly in how special schools can contribute to city-wide goals.

No additional quotes from other sources were available in the initial coverage, but Ms McCartney’s words have been consistently attributed to the official visit summary released by the Mayor’s office. Her endorsement carries significant weight given her oversight of London’s education policies.

How Does Woodside Academy Embed Mental Health in Its Curriculum?

The academy’s approach involves integrating emotional wellbeing throughout its curriculum and school life, a method showcased during the Deputy Mayor’s tour. This includes tailored programmes that address the specific needs of pupils in a special school setting, fostering resilience and emotional literacy from an early age.

Teachers and support staff collaborate to create a nurturing environment where mental health is prioritised alongside academic progress. Activities range from mindfulness sessions to peer support groups, ensuring every pupil benefits from a supportive framework.

As the only special school in the 16-partner programme, Woodside Academy’s strategies offer valuable lessons for inclusive education. The visit by Ms McCartney allowed for a detailed demonstration, reinforcing the school’s reputation for innovation.

Why Is This Recognition Important for Bexley and London?

Bexley, located in South London, benefits from Woodside Academy’s success as it elevates the borough’s standing in educational excellence. The recognition aligns with wider efforts to address the mental health crisis among young people, particularly those with special needs who often face greater challenges.

London-wide, the Mayor’s programme seeks to create a network of schools equipped to support pupil wellbeing, with Woodside serving as a flagship example. Ms McCartney’s praise signals potential for expanded funding and replication of these models across more institutions.

This development comes at a time when mental health provisions in schools are under scrutiny, making the academy’s achievements timely and influential. It contributes to the vision of a fairer London, where every child has access to emotionally supportive education.

What Is the Mayor of London’s Mental Health in Schools Programme?

The programme involves 16 schools across London, with Woodside Academy as the sole special school participant. Launched under the Mayor’s office, it aims to equip educators with tools to promote mental health, from curriculum integration to staff training.

Woodside’s involvement underscores the inclusivity of the initiative, extending benefits to diverse learner needs. The Deputy Mayor’s visit was part of a series of engagements to highlight top performers.

Details from the programme’s framework emphasise proactive wellbeing strategies, which Woodside has evidently mastered. This positions the academy as a benchmark for others in the cohort.

How Has the School’s Work Impacted Pupils?

The confidence of pupils at Woodside Academy was a standout observation during Ms McCartney’s visit. Staff commitment translates into real outcomes, with pupils displaying greater emotional resilience and engagement.

As Ms McCartney noted, this work is “making a real difference to young Londoners’ lives.” In a special school context, such impacts are profound, helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and personal growth.

Parents and local educators have reportedly welcomed the recognition, though specific testimonials were not detailed in the visit coverage. The academy’s methods foster a sense of security, essential for vulnerable children.

What Are the Broader Implications for Special Schools?

Woodside Academy’s success demonstrates the potential of special schools within mainstream programmes. By being the only one selected among 16, it proves that tailored approaches can align with city-wide standards.

Ms McCartney’s comments affirm: “They are demonstrating what inclusive, emotionally nurturing education can achieve.” This could inspire policy shifts, encouraging more special schools to participate in similar initiatives.

For Bexley, it reinforces the borough’s role in educational innovation, potentially attracting further investment.

Reactions from School Staff and Local Community

While specific statements from Woodside Academy staff were not quoted in the available coverage, the Deputy Mayor observed their clear commitment firsthand. Pupils’ confidence further evidenced the positive school climate.

Local Bexley media have framed the visit as a point of pride for the community, aligning with South London’s focus on youth wellbeing. No dissenting views were reported, reflecting broad support.

Future Plans for Woodside Academy and the Programme?

The visit suggests ongoing collaboration with the Mayor’s office, potentially leading to expanded resources. Woodside’s model may influence the remaining 15 schools in the programme.

Ms McCartney’s vision of London as “the best city in the world to grow up in” implies sustained investment. The academy is well-placed to continue leading in mental health education.