TAVISTOCK College has become an accredited 'Healthy School' after impressing inspectors with its comprehensive and caring approach to student well-being.

The college received the Healthy Schools award in recognition of the work staff do to improve the social, emotional, mental and physical health of students in all aspects of school life.

Julia Tosdevin, who led the drive for accreditation with fellow teacher Eva Pearson, said: 'The award recognises the positive ethos of the college. The assessor was very complimentary of the teaching and learning, students' behaviour and the standard of food. She commented on how polite the students were and the care and respect they showed for each other and the college environment.'

Mrs Tosdevin said the award recognised the hard work and effort everyone involved in the college put in to make sure they educated and cared for the whole person.

'It's not just about health but a healthy attitude and atmosphere,' she said.

The Healthy Schools programme is a joint initiative run by the Department for Education and the Department of Health in order to promote a whole-school approach to health. It is intended to improve health and reduce inequalities; raise student achievement; promote social inclusion; and encourage closer working between health promotion providers and education establishments.