Avanti House Secondary School

Yoga and meditation to tackle exam stress

Avanti House Secondary School, a state Hindu secondary school in
Stanmore, London, UK, champions a unique values-based educational model in response to the
significant pressures and challenges associated with the traditional educational environment,
particularly the intense stress induced by exam preparations. Consequently, the school seeks to
enhance students' wellbeing by integrating spiritual, mental, and physical health into daily
learning. This holistic approach, rooted in the school's “Avanti Way”, fosters not only high
academic standards but also promotes deep personal growth and communal responsibility among its
1,190 students.

Established in 2012, the school incorporates traditional subjects
alongside ethics, philosophy, yoga, and meditation, reflecting its dedication to developing
well-rounded individuals. These elements are strategically embedded within the curriculum rather
than as extracurricular activities, ensuring all students participate in nurturing their
wellbeing.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the school's holistic approach.
Avanti House provides a robust vegetarian meal programme that aligns with its ethical and
health-oriented values, helping students understand the importance of diet in overall wellbeing.
This initiative supports physical health and fosters environmental awareness and sustainability
among students.

The school's impressive results, including a Progress 8 score that
consistently ranks it among the top UK schools, underscore the effectiveness of its educational
philosophy. Notably, the school boasts a 97.6% attendance rate, which far exceeds the national
average, supporting the effectiveness of its wellbeing initiatives.

Leadership at Avanti House is pivotal in cultivating an environment
that values spiritual insight and character formation as much as educational excellence. The
principal and deputy principal, both seasoned in educational leadership, drive the school's
vision with a clear focus on inclusive practices and community engagement. Its leadership
fosters a culture of respect and mutual understanding, crucial for the school's diverse student
body.

Avanti House's commitment extends beyond the classroom. It actively
engages families and the wider community through workshops and initiatives like family wellbeing
sessions and leadership training for teachers, reinforcing its holistic approach to education.

Should Avanti House win the World's Best School Prize for Supporting
Healthy Lives, the prize money will be directed towards enhancing these transformative
programmes, reinforcing the school's commitment to developing well-rounded, mindful citizens for
a sustainable future.