Salcombe's Kirsty Bonner is a Miss Devon finalist and is focussed on mental health

Salcombe girl and Miss Devon finalist Kirsty Bonner is using her platform to launch 'Mind Over Marks'. 

Mind Over Marks is an initiative focused on encouraging healthier conversations around academic pressure, exam stress, and student wellbeing. At the heart of the campaign is a simple but important message: your grades do not determine your worth.

The initiative aims to promote a more supportive and balanced outlook on success, reminding students that academic achievement should never come at the expense of their wellbeing.

Kirsty Bonner is a Miss Devon finalist 

By opening conversations around stress, pressure, comparison, and mental health during exam season, Mind Over Marks encourages students to approach education in a healthier and more sustainable way.

Kirsty said: “As students, you’re constantly reminded of the importance of exams and getting the best grades possible, but not enough people talk about the emotional pressure that comes with that.

"I want Mind Over Marks to help students feel supported, understood, and reminded that their wellbeing matters too, and the grades that they get at school won't define their whole future.”

Alongside advocacy and awareness work, Mind Over Marks also offers optional wellbeing-focused revision resources designed to help students revise in a calmer and healthier way. 

As a Miss Devon finalist, Kirsty hopes to use the platform to promote positive change for young people and encourage more open conversations around mental wellbeing within education.