A MENTAL health and wellbeing programme which has had a big effect in Australia is coming to an independent girls school.

The ‘Flourishing at School’ programme aims to improve positive emotions, engagement and positive relationships among students rather than identifying those already in distress or at risk.

Heathfield School in Ascot will be the first UK establishment to adopt the programme and it hopes to help students develop the ‘pillars’ of good mental health to stay well and optimise their time at school and at home.

Every girl at the school will complete an online survey over the next few weeks, which takes less than 15 minutes.

The results are scrutinised and an individual plan is created for every girl, regardless of her ‘score’- this is shared with her.

John Gale, director of boarding at Heathfield, said: “The results show us where our pupils are already flourishing, and also identify any areas that need further development.

“This will help our girls to develop high levels of mental health strength to deal with problems and issues in a positive way so that they are well-equipped to deal with the trials and tribulations of current society.

“When mental health is flourishing you are better able to deal with problems or issues and develop resilience and grit.

“This is a primary level intervention to make sure our pupils are mentally fit and healthy, rather than our reacting to a problem occurring later on.”