Croydon’s education sector is increasingly being recognized for its innovative approach to student mental health and emotional development. This was highlighted on January 9, 2026, when a new, dedicated wellbeing space and sensory garden were unveiled at The Crescent Primary School in Selhurst. Created through a partnership between South London developer Barratt Redrow and the children’s mental health charity Place2Be, the sensory garden is designed to engage all five senses. It features textured plants, natural materials, and quiet seating areas where pupils can reflect and connect with nature. Verity Denman, Head of School, emphasized the importance of the project, noting that for many students at The Crescent, this garden represents their only access to a dedicated green space for interactive play.
This focus on wellbeing is mirrored across the borough. Recently, Chestnut Park Primary was awarded Champion status by the arts charity Tender for its commitment to the RE:SET program. This whole-school initiative uses creative projects such as poetry and art to teach students about healthy and respectful relationships, ultimately aiming to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence. Students at the school have had their artwork professionally printed as part of a campaign to remind adults how much children absorb and notice. Assistant Head Teacher Suzie Jones noted that the program has fostered positive discussions and new ways of thinking across the school community.
These achievements reflect a growing consensus in Croydon that educational excellence must include emotional literacy. At Chestnut Park, the school also recently celebrated Hello Yellow day to raise funds for the charity Young Minds, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness alongside physical health. By providing physical sanctuaries like the Crescent garden and robust curricula like the RE:SET program, local schools are ensuring that their students are equipped for success both academically and emotionally. As mental health referrals for young people continue to rise nationally, Croydon’s proactive measures offer a vital model for other boroughs to follow.
These initiatives demonstrate that even in areas of high deprivation, dedicated partnerships can create spaces where children can learn safely and thrive as individuals. The ongoing commitment to student wellbeing is expected to yield long-term benefits for the community’s social fabric. Educators in Croydon are increasingly viewing mental health support not as an optional extra but as a fundamental pillar of modern education. By fostering resilience and emotional intelligence from an early age, local schools are preparing their pupils to become confident and compassionate members of society. As more schools adopt these models, Croydon is solidifying its reputation as a leader in holistic student development.
