Highgate Hill House School, part of Melrose Education, is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious Trauma Informed Schools UK (TISUK) Award, recognising the school’s exceptional commitment to creating a safe, nurturing and trauma-informed learning environment where every learner can thrive.
Following a comprehensive assessment, the school was praised for its compassionate culture, strong relationships and unwavering commitment to supporting children and young people with complex social, emotional and mental health needs. The assessor concluded that Highgate Hill House School is “a truly special place where children and young people are cared for and taught by compassionate, skilled adults who hold each child in mind at all times,” recommending the school for the award without hesitation.
The report highlighted relationships as one of the school’s greatest strengths, describing how adults consistently create a culture of warmth, compassion and psychological safety. Staff were recognised for building trusting relationships with learners throughout every part of the school day, helping children who may have experienced significant adversity to develop confidence, emotional security and a renewed sense of belonging.
Assessors also commended the school’s whole-school approach to emotional regulation, where every member of staff is trained in trauma-informed practice, active listening and the use of evidence-based approaches including PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy). Daily routines, sensory regulation strategies and specialist therapeutic support all contribute to helping learners feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
The assessment recognised the school’s strong commitment to both learner and staff wellbeing. Leaders were praised for fostering a supportive culture where staff feel valued, listened to and empowered, understanding that emotionally supported adults are best placed to help children achieve positive outcomes.
The report also highlighted the significant cultural transformation that has taken place across the school, noting improvements in behaviour, stronger relationships, increased confidence amongst staff and positive outcomes for learners as they prepare for adulthood. It praised the school’s high aspirations for every learner and recognised the carefully planned support that enables young people to leave with greater confidence, ambition and hope for the future.
School Principal, Kerry Taylor, said:
“Achieving the Trauma Informed Schools UK Award is a tremendous achievement for our entire school community. Every member of our team is committed to creating an environment where our learners feel safe, understood and valued, because we know that positive relationships are the foundation for learning and personal growth. This recognition reflects the compassion, expertise and dedication of our staff, who work tirelessly every day to help our learners build confidence, resilience and hope for the future. I am incredibly proud of everything they have achieved.”
Tracey Storey, Founder, Executive Chair and CEO of Melrose Education, added:
“At Melrose Education, we believe that exceptional education begins with exceptional relationships. Highgate Hill House School has embraced trauma-informed practice in every aspect of school life, creating a culture where learners feel emotionally safe, staff feel supported and every child is given the opportunity to succeed. This prestigious accreditation is richly deserved and is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Kerry and her team. I would like to congratulate everyone involved on this outstanding achievement and thank them for continuing to transform the lives of children and young people every day.”
The Trauma Informed Schools UK Award recognises schools that successfully embed evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches across their entire community, ensuring that children, families and staff are supported through positive relationships, emotional safety and compassionate practice. Highgate Hill House School’s achievement reflects its continued commitment to providing outstanding specialist education where every learner is empowered to flourish.