PG Cert Leadership of School Mental Health & Wellbeing
Course Overview
The PG Cert Leadership of School Mental Health and Wellbeing is designed for school leaders who want to take strategic responsibility for mental health and wellbeing across their school.
This programme is aimed at senior leaders in primary or secondary schools, including heads of wellbeing, pastoral leaders, safeguarding leads, and members of leadership teams who are required to design, implement, and evaluate whole-school mental health strategies.
The course responds to one of the most pressing challenges facing schools today: how to move beyond reactive support and build a coherent, evidence-informed, whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Participants develop the confidence and expertise to critically evaluate their school's current provision, understand global best practice, and lead sustainable improvement.
By the end of the course, you will be equipped to lead mental health provision strategically, improve student resilience, and influence school culture, policy, and practice with confidence and credibility.
Academic Structure
The programme is delivered at Level 7 (postgraduate level) and consists of 60 UK credits, studied part-time over one year via distance learning.
Core Modules (All compulsory – 60 credits)
Semester 1
- •A Whole School Approach to Mental Health A (20 credits)
Semester 2
- •A Whole School Approach to Mental Health B (20 credits)
- •Leading Student Resilience Across the School (20 credits)
The structure allows learners to progress from theory and evidence, through critical evaluation of current practice, to the design and leadership of effective mental health strategies within their own school context.
Assessment Approach
- Assessment is a balanced mix of coursework and presentations
- No written exams
- Assignments are rooted in your own school setting and leadership role
- Modules may include more than one assessment component
Each 20-credit module represents approximately 200 hours of learning, combining structured learning activities, professional reflection, and independent study.
Recognition & Accreditation
- Award: Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Leadership of School Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Level: Level 7 (UK postgraduate qualification)
- Credits: 60 UK credits
- Awarding Body: Leeds Beckett University
This internationally recognised postgraduate qualification demonstrates advanced leadership capability in school mental health and wellbeing. It supports career progression into roles such as:
- •Senior mental health or wellbeing lead
- •Pastoral or safeguarding leadership positions
- •Whole-school strategy and policy leadership roles
The qualification also provides a strong academic foundation for further postgraduate study, including progression to a full Master's degree, subject to university regulations.
Flexibility & Support
This course is designed specifically for busy school leaders who need a programme that fits around professional responsibilities.
Flexible Distance Learning
- Part-time, distance learning delivery
- Online access to all core learning materials via the MyBeckett Virtual Learning Environment
- Learning structured to align with the academic year while remaining flexible
Professional & Academic Support
- Modules led by academics with professional practice and research expertise
- Conference-style learning events (adapted for distance learners) to support discussion, collaboration, and feedback
- Structured opportunities for reflection on real leadership challenges within your school
Peer Community & Resources
- Strong emphasis on communities of practice
- Collaborative learning with fellow senior leaders from different school contexts
- Access to full university support services, learning resources, and academic guidance
PGCE Webinar 2026
Watch our latest PGCE information webinar with Leeds Beckett University to learn more about the courses, entry requirements, and what to expect as a student.