Cambridge School of Bucharest is proud to share that it has been shortlisted for the Student Mental Health Initiative of the Year at the Tes Awards for International Schools 2025—the only school in Romania to feature on this year’s list. This recognition celebrates CSB’s commitment to student voice, innovation, and the belief that young people can meaningfully shape their own school experience.
A Student-Designed Tool Transforming Well-Being at CSB
The project at the heart of the nomination is the Wellness Wave Index, an innovative, data-driven tool designed and developed over the past two years by our Key Stage 4 and 5 Business and Economics students. Working alongside their teachers, students identified a need for a deeper understanding of well-being across the Secondary School—and then built a practical solution from the ground up.
The index tracks trends in student mental health each term, offering detailed insights into how students feel, learn, and thrive. What makes the initiative exceptional is that students not only collect and analyse the data—they also present their findings directly to the school’s leadership team and submit clear, evidence-based recommendations.
Their insights have already informed impactful changes, including:
- enhanced peer-to-peer tutoring
- a stronger focus on study skills and time management
- increased opportunities for parental engagement
- a clearer understanding of the link between well-being and academic achievement
This ongoing collaboration demonstrates how student agency can drive meaningful, school-wide change.
Celebrating the Students Behind the Initiative
This year’s shortlisted group includes six current students—Iris, Arina, and Alexandra (Year 12), Iulia and Andreea (Year 13)—as well as recent alumni Tudor (now studying at Bocconi University) and Tania (now at the London School of Economics). Their dedication to research, analysis, and strategic thinking played a central role in refining the Wellness Wave Index into a reliable and consistent tool.
The project grew from CSB’s Economics enrichment programme, guided by Ms Alexandra Dache, Head of Social Sciences and IB Coordinator. Students explored how global measures such as the Human Development Index are constructed, then applied similar methodologies to issues that directly affect their own community. Through literature reviews, survey design, and indicator weighting, students created a model that is both academically rigorous and deeply relevant.
A Tradition of Student-Led Success
This is not the first time CSB students have been recognised by Tes. In 2023, Business and Economics students were shortlisted for Curriculum Initiative of the Year for their Financial Literacy Curriculum, a whole-school project equipping learners with essential real-world skills.
These achievements reflect a broader culture at CSB: one where students and teachers work together to introduce innovative, lasting improvements across the school. Through such collaborations, learners develop confidence, leadership, critical thinking, and a sense of belonging—values that define our school community.
A Holistic Commitment to Well-Being
The Wellness Wave Index aligns with CSB’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding, emotional well-being, and holistic development. The school continues to foster a safe, supportive environment in which young people feel heard, valued, and empowered.
As mental health becomes an increasingly important focus worldwide, CSB is proud to contribute to this global conversation. The school’s model demonstrates how structured student participation can strengthen learning environments and help build healthier, more compassionate communities.
Looking Ahead
The winners of the Tes Awards for International Schools 2025 will be announced later this year. Regardless of the final result, the shortlisting represents a significant milestone for Cambridge School of Bucharest and a powerful affirmation of our students’ creativity, leadership, and commitment to well-being.
We congratulate all students and staff involved in this extraordinary project—and we look forward to continuing our journey of innovation, collaboration, and student-centred excellence.