The research aimed to explore and understand the factors that affect successful implementation of Well Schools and the perceived impact on schools, teachers and pupils who are part of the Well Schools community.

Well Schools is a whole school approach that places as much emphasis on wellbeing as it does on academic performance. Well Schools understands that children and young people are more effective learners when they are happy and well, and that they must take care of their staff and their pupils’ wellbeing to create a culture that allows everyone to reach their potential. Well Schools therefore focuses on supporting the wellbeing of school staff, senior leaders and pupils to improve education outcomes.

10 case study schools were recruited having been identified for their good practice and that they represented diversity in setting type, location and school demographics. Data was collected via interviews (n = 16) with Well School leads and teachers to capture the process of implementation from prior practice to current progress and future sustainability. Well School leads completed bespoke surveys (n = 17) to determine aspects of practice fueling the implementation of Well Schools. Specific strategies used in each school as part of their Well Schools approach illustrate, both quantitatively and qualitatively, implementation progress, quality, fidelity, and adaptations to Well School guidance. A series of quantitative surveys measured both teacher (n = 83) and pupil (n = 418) wellbeing supporting comparisons with national data and established benchmarks.

You can access the full report on the right-hand side, and the case studies below.