Royal Wootton Bassett Academy in has received national recognition for its exceptional work supporting young carers, after being presented with the Young Carers in Schools Award.
The award celebrates the Wiltshire school’s commitment to ensuring young carers receive the understanding, guidance and opportunities they deserve. Young carers are children under 18 who care for a family member affected by illness, disability, mental health issues or addiction. Their responsibilities can have a significant impact on their education and wellbeing — something Royal Wootton Bassett Academy has worked hard to address.
At the school, initiatives include a weekly peer support group, yearly assemblies to raise awareness among all pupils, regular training for all staff to help them identify and assist young carers, and dedicated young carer ambassadors who support new pupils joining in Year 7.
The school also offers one-to-one support, parent evening guidance, transition planning and visible noticeboards to help students find help when needed.
Headteacher Anita Ellis said, “We are incredibly proud to receive the Young Carers in Schools Award. At Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, we believe every student deserves to feel recognised, supported and valued. Our young carers show remarkable resilience and compassion, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they have the help they need to succeed both academically and personally.
“This award reflects the dedication of our staff, in particular Mrs Kerry Heaphy, Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, who has championed our young carers and helped them feel seen.”
The Young Carers in Schools programme, run by The Children’s Society and Carers Trust, helps schools across England identify and support pupils who are young carers. Wiltshire Council has been working with local schools to embed best practice and aims for all secondary schools in the county to achieve the award by 2027.
The school’s success has also been praised by members of Wiltshire’s Young Carers Council, who work alongside the council’s Voice and Participation Team to raise awareness and improve services.
William Haynes, from the Council, said, “Congratulations to Royal Wootton Bassett Academy for achieving this award. We’re so pleased that more schools are taking notice of what young carers do and how it can impact their education. We really appreciate all the effort that has gone into this.”
The Young Carers in Schools programme is open to all schools in England. More information is available at www.youngcarersinschools.com.
