Health & Wellbeing

• Prior Park College supports pupils in accessing appropriate healthcare services when required.
• Depending on a pupil's needs, healthcare may be arranged through community pharmacy services, NHS 111, GP services, dental services and other NHS healthcare providers. Some treatment may be provided within school, while other treatment and appointments will take place within the wider NHS or private healthcare system.
• The College works closely with a local GP practice. A GP holds regular clinics at the College during term time, enabling pupils to access medical appointments on site where appropriate. Where an appointment is required outside these clinics, the practice will endeavour to prioritise pupils from the College whenever possible.
• Where appropriate, the College will communicate with parents and guardians regarding a pupil's healthcare needs and arrangements.

Community Pharmacy and Pharmacy First
Many common illnesses and minor health concerns can be managed through a local pharmacy. Pharmacists can provide expert advice, support self-care and, through the NHS Pharmacy First service, assess and treat certain common conditions without the need for a GP appointment where eligibility criteria are met.

NHS 111
NHS 111 is available online and by telephone 24 hours a day. The service can provide medical advice, direct pupils to the most appropriate healthcare service and arrange urgent clinical assessment where necessary.

General Practitioners (GPs)
GPs assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions and can prescribe medication where appropriate.
If it is specialist care, diagnostic tests, scans or hospital treatment are required, the GP will usually arrange the necessary referral. Within the NHS, most specialist services are accessed following clinical assessment and referral.

Prescriptions
Medicines prescribed by an NHS clinician can be dispensed by a community pharmacy. For pupils studying at Prior Park College, NHS prescriptions are generally available free of charge where eligibility criteria are met. Pharmacists can also provide advice on minor illnesses, over-the-counter medicines and self-care.

Dental Care
If dental assessment or treatment is required, Prior Park College can assist pupils in accessing a local dental practice. Many pupils will be eligible for NHS dental treatment. However, some dental services may be subject to NHS eligibility criteria, availability, waiting times or additional charges. Families will be advised where charges may apply before treatment is arranged. Private dental treatment is separate from NHS dental care and may incur additional charges.

Emergency Care
Emergency treatment provided within an NHS Accident and Emergency (A&E) department is free at the point of access, regardless of nationality or immigration status. If a pupil requires hospital admission or treatment beyond the A&E department, eligibility for free NHS treatment will depend on their immigration status and individual circumstances.

Pupils visiting the UK from eligible EU countries, may be entitled to medically necessary NHS treatment through a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or other reciprocal healthcare arrangements, where applicable. Relevant documentation should be presented when treatment is accessed. EHIC and reciprocal healthcare arrangements do not cover private healthcare.

Private healthcare cover is designed to complement NHS services and may provide faster access to eligible consultations, diagnostic tests and specialist treatment covered by the policy.

The Pupils' Healthcare Scheme may be particularly valuable where families would like the option of accessing eligible private consultations, investigations or treatment in addition to NHS services.

For treatment under the Pupils' Healthcare Scheme:

• Treatment must be medically necessary and covered by the policy.
• A GP referral will usually be required before treatment can be authorised.
• Families should contact AXA Health before arranging consultations, investigations or treatment to confirm eligibility and obtain authorisation.
• Face-to-face private GP fees are not normally covered.
• Eligible treatment must be provided by an AXA Health-recognised specialist, practitioner, hospital or facility unless agreed otherwise in advance.
• Policy terms, conditions, exclusions and benefit limits apply.

Minor Illness or Health Concern
College Support → Pharmacy First / Community Pharmacy → NHS 111 (if required)

Ongoing or More Complex Concern
College Support → GP Assessment → Treatment, Investigation or Specialist Referral

Private Healthcare Treatment
GP Referral (where required) → AXA Health Authorisation → Private Consultation or Treatment

Emergency
999 or NHS Accident & Emergency (A&E)

For details of the Pupils' Healthcare Scheme, including eligibility, exclusions, benefits and costs, please refer to the scheme documentation provided by the College.

For information on purchasing cover, please click here.

Families should always review the policy documentation carefully before purchasing cover, as benefits, exclusions and eligibility requirements may vary depending on the scheme selected.

• In accordance with government guidance, our curriculum is split into those three themes across the year: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, Issues in the Wider World.
• Within these themes students’ knowledge and skills build over the years through a spiral curriculum that returns to topics in greater detail year on year.
• Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is compulsory in all UK schools and is taught alongside building self-worth, communication skills and a firm understanding of consent.
• In line with guidance from the UK government, World Health Organisation and United Nations, contraception is taught in Lower 5 (Year 10).
• Curriculum Overview 2026/27
• Headmaster's Letter to Parents Mobiles and Parties

• NSPCC Support & advice for parents  
• YoungMinds Parents Mental Health Support | Advice for Your Child   
• NHS Mental Health for Children Advice for parents