Health and Wellbeing at Clifton College: A Comprehensive, Integrated Approach

At Clifton College, we believe that a child's wellbeing forms the foundation for academic success and personal growth. Our dedicated Health and Wellbeing Centre provides a fully integrated approach to physical, mental and emotional health, ensuring that every student from Reception to Upper School receives exceptional care.

Medical Care: Round‑the‑Clock Support

The Health and Wellbeing Centre sits at the heart of our pastoral provision and is staffed by an experienced team of healthcare professionals, nurses and sports rehabilitators. Open seven days a week, with a 24‑hour on‑call service, the team provides immediate support for acute illnesses, injuries and the management of chronic conditions. From asthma and diabetes to allergies and epilepsy, our staff deliver compassionate, expert care for all medical needs.

Boarding students benefit from onsite GP clinics four mornings a week, delivered in partnership with a local GP surgery. Our Principal Medical Officer, a senior GP and member of the Medical Officers for Schools Association, oversees clinical governance and compliance. Students who require short‑term inpatient care have access to comfortable accommodation within the Health Centre, including separate areas for boys and girls, WiFi access and dedicated facilities for those with infectious illnesses.

Sports Medicine: Expert Injury Prevention and Management

Clifton College has a strong reputation for sporting excellence, and our sports medical team plays a vital role in supporting student wellbeing. Present at training sessions and fixtures, the team provides pitch‑side medical support, injury assessment and rehabilitation, ensuring students return to play safely and confidently.

Our approach aligns with (Rugby Football Union) RFU and Football Association (FA) best‑practice guidelines, particularly in concussion management, injury prevention and recovery.

Managing Medical Conditions: Safety, Innovation and Individualised Care

We go beyond standard medical provision by offering proactive, personalised support for students with long‑term health conditions. Individualised health care plans are created in accordance with the Department for Education’s guidance on Supporting Students in Schools with Medical Conditions. Specialist link nurses oversee conditions such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and allergies, ensuring tailored, consistent care.

We are proud to partner with Kitt Medical, an innovative provider of emergency anaphylaxis kits featured on Dragons Den. These lifesaving kits, located across the College and at Beggars Bush, act as a defibrillator for anaphylaxis, providing immediate access to emergency medication.

Clifton College is also among the first schools in Bristol working towards joining the UK Allergy Register in collaboration with Allergy UK. Every student with allergies or anaphylaxis has a comprehensive care plan and ISBA action plan, and those with severe allergies are required to carry two EpiPens at all times.

Our Asthma Management Policy aligns with Department for Health guidance on The Use of Emergency Salbutamol Inhalers in Schools. Emergency inhaler stations are located at key points across campus, and all students with asthma are required to carry two inhalers. Our dedicated asthma lead ensures protocols are regularly reviewed and staff remain fully trained.

Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Supportive Community

We recognise that mental and emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Our counselling and wellbeing team provides a safe, confidential and supportive environment for students seeking professional guidance.

We are committed to developing an annual wellbeing programme that supports students, staff and parents. This initiative promotes mental health awareness, emotional resilience and a positive school culture, ensuring everyone in the Clifton College community has access to the knowledge and resources needed to thrive.

We work closely with the safeguarding team and collaborate with external agencies, including Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), to ensure students can access specialist care when required. Our aim is to reduce stigma, provide early support and ensure every student feels heard, valued and empowered.

Our dedicated space 'The Wave' allows students to relax and take some time out of their busy schedules when needed.

A Culture of Care and Safeguarding

Safeguarding is central to everything we do. Our Health and Wellbeing team works closely with pastoral staff, the safeguarding team and learning support to ensure every student receives the protection and care they need. From managing illness and injuries to supporting ADHD medication and emotional wellbeing, our holistic approach ensures that each student feels safe, supported and valued.

At Clifton College, we do more than provide healthcare. We cultivate a culture of wellbeing that enables students to flourish in every aspect of their school life.