Supporting trust-wide wellbeing at Star Academies
See how Star Academies is strengthening workforce wellbeing with Simplyhealth - getting colleagues faster access to preventative care, improving engagement, and creating a more supported, thriving workplace.
We chose Simplyhealth as a wellbeing partner because of their accessible, employee-friendly approach.
Rachel Depledge, 2026
The difference the right healthcare partner can make
Star Academies is a large and diverse Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where colleagues can thrive.
To strengthen their recruitment and retention offering, they needed a comprehensive plan to support their whole workforce. They were looking for a partner who could provide:
accessible support
affordable services
flexible benefits
preventative care
Why is employee health cover important for MATs?
Average absence levels have increased to 9.4 days per employee per year, compared with 7.8 days in 2023 and 5.8 days in 2022.
Source: CIPD Report 2025
The breadth of provision from Simplyhealth has enabled us to take a more holistic, proactive and preventative approach. Their support helps our people access timely care, reduce everyday health pressures and stay well at work. As a result, staff feel genuinely valued, supported and empowered to prioritise their health, which has had a positive impact on engagement, morale and overall wellbeing.
Rachel Depledge, 2026
Aligning to your values with teacher wellbeing benefits
A leadership perspective
“The claims process is simple and intuitive, making it easy for employees to access and use their benefits, while payments are processed swiftly, reinforcing confidence and trust in the scheme. The user-friendly app allows employees to manage claims and benefits conveniently in one place.”
Rachel Depledge, Head of People and Wellbeing, January 2026
A broader approach to employee benefits
Through Simplyhealth, employees have access to a wide range of health and wellbeing services, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
These benefits include:
Dental and optical cover
Mental Health Support services
24/7 online GP and nurse access
Employees also have access to a range of on-demand, discounted and self-pay services, including:
Discounted physiotherapy
Nutrition guidance
Women's health support
At-home health testing
Neurodiversity assessments
Coaching support for sleep, parenting and menopause
Get a fast, no-obligation business health plan quote today
Since introducing Simplyhealth, employees have benefited from access to wellbeing services that extend far beyond traditional healthcare benefits, enabling us to support diverse needs across our workforce.
Rachel Depledge, 2026
A meaningful impact: uplift in engagement from day one
3,348 active policies
As of 31st December 2025.
47% of employees have made a claim
Between 1 September - 31 December 2025.
14% increase in claims
Between 1 September - 31 December 2025.
By partnering with Simplyhealth, Star Academies has introduced a proactive, trust-wide approach to wellbeing. Colleagues can access everyday healthcare support quickly and conveniently, helping them stay well at work and feel genuinely valued.
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What Star Academies employees say
Simplyhealth has helped me prioritise my wellbeing by making me more aware of the services available. The app is easy to use and submitting a claim is straightforward and hassle-free.
[Name withheld]
January 2026
The claims process is simple and user-friendly, and I was paid within a few days. Simplyhealth has taken the stress out of everyday healthcare costs and given me real peace of mind.
[Name withheld]
January 2026
Designed to be simple for you and your employees
“The level of account management and ongoing support has been consistently strong, ensuring the scheme is continuously optimised. Simplyhealth is a cost-effective solution, delivering excellent value.
This partnership reinforces our commitment to placing staff wellbeing at the heart of our organisational culture.”
Rachel Depledge, Head of People and Wellbeing, January 2026
Looking ahead: Building a more data‑driven approach to wellbeing
Star Academies plans to continue developing its wellbeing strategy using insight and data to better understand impact and improve access.
Next steps with Simplyhealth:
Measuring the impact of wellbeing initiatives on turnover, absence and engagement
Embedding wellbeing more formally into staff engagement surveys
Reviewing school-level data to identify where additional support or awareness is needed
Simplyhealth will continue to support this data-led approach, helping ensure the wellbeing offer remains relevant, accessible and effective for colleagues across the trust.
Ready to support teacher and education sector wellbeing?
Get your business health plan quote today and take the first step towards a healthier workplace.
Some of these services are provided by third party providers.