CompletedInterventional

Learning Together Mental Health: exploring the impact of a whole-school intervention on pupils' GCSE scores

This research project, called 'Learning Together Mental Health,' wants to see if a special programme in schools can improve students' GCSE exam results. It's based on the idea that making school a more positive place might help students learn better and feel happier. The programme involves students and staff working together to improve the school environment and offers different tools to help. Researchers will compare students in schools using the programme with those in schools not using it, looking at their exam scores and how they feel. This study aims to provide clear evidence on whether these types of programmes really make a difference to young people's education and well-being in England.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Education Endowment Foundation

Enrolment target

26,040

Start

02 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 May 2026

Educational attainment, mental health and wellbeing

What is this study about?

This study is called 'Learning Together Mental Health' and it's trying to find out if a special programme in secondary schools can help students get better GCSE results. The idea is that if the school feels like a better, more supportive place for everyone, students might do better in their studies and feel healthier mentally.

The programme works by bringing students and staff together in 'action groups' and using friendly ways to solve problems. Schools also get help to figure out what support their students need. This study builds on earlier research but aims to be even more accurate by looking closely at exam results and how the programme is put into practice in different schools.

Researchers will be looking at two main things: how the programme affects students' education (like their GCSE scores) and how it's actually used by schools. There's also a connected study that will focus specifically on students' mental health and wellbeing, as it's thought these are key to improving school results. All of this research is funded by the Education Endowment Foundation, which helps find out what works best in education.

Key takeaways

This study explores if better school environments lead to better GCSE scores and mental health.
It involves a program called 'Learning Together Mental Health' in secondary schools.
Students in Year 7 (2026) in participating schools will complete surveys.
The study compares schools using the program with those not using it.
Data collected will be linked to GCSE results.
The goal is to provide clear evidence on effective educational approaches.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for state-funded secondary schools in England to take part. Only mainstream schools are included, so private schools or special schools won't be eligible.

For students, if your school is taking part, all Year 7 students in Spring 2026 will be invited to participate in the study. You don't need to do anything special to be in Year 7 at that time, but your school does need to be one of the selected ones.

To make sure this study adds new information, schools that have been part of previous similar studies won't be able to join this one.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a state-funded secondary school in England?
Is your school a mainstream school (not private or special needs)?
Have you not participated in a previous 'Learning Together Mental Health' study?
Will you have Year 7 pupils in Spring 2026?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your school takes part, it will be randomly put into one of two groups: one that uses the 'Learning Together Mental Health' programme, or a control group that continues with its usual activities. You won't know which group your school is in until after the first surveys.

As a student, if you're in Year 7 in Spring 2026 at a participating school, you'll be asked to complete an online survey. This survey will ask about how you feel about school, your friends, your general well-being, and other health-related topics. You'll then be asked to complete the same survey again when you're in Year 10 (in 2029). The information from these surveys will be linked to your GCSE results to see if there's a connection. Some school staff will also be interviewed to understand how the programme is working.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study is entirely up to you and your school. A benefit is that you'll be helping to improve our understanding of how school programmes can affect students' learning and well-being, potentially helping future students. Schools that take part will also receive some financial support. It's rare, but sometimes answering survey questions or being interviewed might bring up upsetting feelings. If this happens, support information will be provided to help you.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

To be confirmed
City only
-, England

Common questions

What is 'Learning Together Mental Health'?

It's a programme for secondary schools designed to improve school environment, student well-being, and academic results by having students and staff work together.

Will my GCSE results be worse if my school takes part?

The study aims to see if results are better. There's no reason to believe your results would be worse, but individual experiences vary.

How long will the study last?

The study is expected to run from March 2026 to December 2031.

Who is paying for this research?

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) in the UK is funding this study.

Can my school choose to be in the programme group?

No, schools are randomly chosen for either the programme or the usual practice group to make the study fair.

How to find out more

Polly Casey

polly.casey@annafreud.org +44 (0)20 7794 2313 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.