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Level 5 Certificate for School Mental Health Professionals

Be among the first to achieve the brand-new Level 5 Certificate for School Mental Health Professionals. This nationally recognised qualification has been designed for school staff who want to move beyond foundation training and take a lead in developing whole-school approaches to mental health.

Who is this for?

Whether you are a pastoral lead, SENCo, teacher, or other professional working with children and young people, this programme will give you the skills, confidence, and professional recognition to make a lasting impact.

Length

9 months

Key Outcomes:

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  • Gain a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification.
  • Develop advanced knowledge of mental health in schools.
  • Build confidence to lead and embed effective approaches in your setting.
  • Enhance your career progression and professional credibility.

Special Launch Offer

Delivery partner

RSPG Logo

Length

9 months

Start Date

4th November 2026

Enrol in our next cohort of the Level 5 Certificate for School Mental Health Professionals, costing £870.

Secure your place for the May 2026 intake…

Why choose Minds Ahead?

The only organisation in the UK dedicated solely to school mental health qualification.

Developed by experts with a proven track record through our popular Level 2 and Level 7 programmes.

Delivered in partnership with trusted awarding bodies and education specialists.
Entry to Mental Health Qualification

Modules

Teachers

Our programme delivery is as follows.

  • Unit 1 – Introduction to School Mental Health
    You will examine the structure and culture of mental health in your setting by exploring how perspectives on mental health in education have evolved. You will consider a range of definitions, models, and policies to evaluate which of these are most effective in promoting well-being for your school.
  • Unit 2 – The Importance of the Whole Child and Holistic Thinking
    An understanding of self, culture, and power dynamics significantly shapes perceptions and actions related to mental health. You will explore themes such as intersectionality and other social theories to understand what makes for highly effective mental health strategies within your school.
  • Unit 3 – The Whole School and Planning Strategically
    Mentally healthy schools prioritise features such as inclusivity, resilience, and wellbeing-focused initiatives, implemented through tailored approaches. You will use your professional judgement to interpret your schools data resulting in the identification of mental health issues, and the continuous evaluation and refinement of strategies for improvement.
  • Unit 4 – The Whole Picture and Taking Preventative Measures
    Preventative approaches positively impact pupil behaviour, wellbeing, and educational outcomes, emphasising the interdependence of mental health and success in education. You will evaluate these strategies to ensure that they remain effective and relevant.
  • Unit 5 – The Whole System and Being Proactive
    You will use an appreciative enquiry model to plan and deliver effective and proactive interventions around mental health within your school. You will also develop the skills to assess outcomes, identify successes, and pinpoint areas for improvement.
  • Unit 6 – The Whole Self and Being Reflective
    Reflective frameworks are essential for learning and development, offering structured approaches to assess performance and guide professional growth. This module enables you to identify areas for growth by evaluating current skills, reflecting on feedback, and setting clear goals for continuous improvement.

Learning and assessment

Learning

Online live sessions to support each module
Personalised support for all tasks from an experienced mentor
Access to the Minds Ahead insights and resource hub

Assessment

Each module will be assessed through the collation of a portfolio of evidence.

Ongoing support will be given to ensure the standards are met prior to final submission.

Candidates who successfully complete the qualification can progress to higher level qualifications in school mental health, such as the Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Master’s (MA) qualifications delivered by Minds Ahead and validated by Leeds Beckett University.

FAQs

How long is the course?

9 months

Career wise this programme will enable you to demonstrate a great understanding of Mental Health needs and could help with career progression. Completing this level 5 professional programme enables you to study further towards expert Level 7.

Apply Now

Registration form

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Complete the form below to formally enrol onto the Professional Programme in School Mental Health:
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Payment options

Or 6 instalments of £165
After clicking "Submit" below, you will be redirected to Stripe to take payment.

To pay for your course via bank transfer, please send the money using the details below. These will also be shared in your confirmation email after submitting this form.

Your ticket will be confirmed once your first or full payment has been received.

Account name: Minds Ahead CIC

Bank name: Co-operative

Sort code: 08-92-99

Account number: 65 83 51 39

Please use your name as the reference.

Please provide the invoice details below:
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Download Brochure

School Mental Health Professional Development Programme Brochure

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