Findings from an independent evaluation of the healthy schools programme, which has been operating for 10 years, show that it is making a significant contribution to participating schools.

The research revealed significant links between achieving and working towards NHSS, and better Ofsted ratings of school effectiveness, lower total and unauthorised pupil absence, higher contextual value added scores, and higher levels of pupil participation in high quality PE.

The report concludes that whole school approaches to promoting health can impact on health and education outcomes, and that NHSP is widely perceived as having an impact on schools. In particular, it has been perceived to bring about changes associated with improved learning among pupils – such as improved concentration, greater participation in physical activity, and increased confidence.

The evaluation report is available from Healthy Schools.
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