Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWS)

The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale is a 14-item scale containing positively worded statements which cover feelings as well as more functional aspects of mental wellbeing.

Children and young people are asked to describe their experiences over the past two weeks. They can choose one of five responses, ranging from ‘none of the time’ to ‘all of the time’.

CORC provides guidance on scoring and interpretation of the scale, and links to further information on how individual’s scores compare with national survey data.

The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale is free to use, but users must first complete a registration form in order to request permission.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for:

• use by mental health leads working with students aged 13 to 19+.
• use by staff working in secondary schools, colleges (sixth form and FE), all-through and alternative provisions.

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes:

• Use (and be able to adapt as required) relevant tools to assess need, and monitor interventions to support pupil and student progress.
• Implement a process to identify those who may need additional support, working with other staff across the school to use pre-existing documents, such as education health care plans, where appropriate.