CompletedInterventional

Police in Classrooms

This study, called 'Police in Classrooms', explores new PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) lessons designed for students aged 11 to 15 (Years 7-10). These lessons are a bit different because a local police officer teaches one part of them, alongside their regular PSHE teacher. The main goal is to find out if these special lessons change how students think about the police, their behaviour, their sense of right and wrong, and whether they get involved in crime. Some year groups in participating schools will get these new lessons, while others will have their usual PSHE classes. All students will complete surveys before and after the lessons to help us understand any changes.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

24,160

Start

01 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Police-taught PSHE lessons for students in years 7-10

What is this study about?

This research project, called 'Police in Classrooms', is looking at a new way to teach PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) lessons to students in years 7 to 10 (generally aged 11 to 15). The PSHE Association has created these new lessons, which cover important topics like personal safety, drugs and the law, violence prevention, and knife crime. What makes these lessons unique is that while the regular PSHE teacher delivers some parts, a local police officer teaches one of the lessons in each topic unit.

The main idea behind this study is to see if having police officers involved in teaching these lessons makes a difference. Researchers want to understand if these lessons can change how students feel about the police, if they influence students' behaviour or wellbeing, how they affect what students believe is right and wrong, and if they might even reduce involvement in crime. To figure this out, some year groups in schools taking part will receive these new police-taught lessons (this is called the 'treatment group'), while other year groups will continue with their standard PSHE lessons (the 'control group'). Everyone in the study will complete surveys before and after the lessons to measure any changes.

This study is important because it could help schools and police forces understand the best ways to teach young people about safety, the law, and important life choices. If these new lessons are found to be helpful, they could improve how these vital topics are taught in schools across the UK and potentially build stronger, more positive relationships between young people and the police.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates new PSHE lessons for 11-15 year olds.
A local police officer teaches one lesson in each new PSHE unit.
The aim is to see if these lessons impact student feelings about police, behaviour, and morals.
Students will complete two short surveys (15 mins each) before and after the lessons.
Only schools in specific police force areas (Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire) can take part.
Parents can opt their children out of survey participation.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to attend a state-funded mainstream school in an area covered by Greater Manchester Police or Hertfordshire Police that has chosen to take part. You must also be in year 7, 8, 9, or 10, which usually means you are between 11 and 15 years old. Your parents or guardians will need to give permission for you to complete the surveys.

If your school isn't involved in the trial, or if you're not in the specified year groups, you won't be able to join. Also, if your parent or guardian decides they don't want you to complete the surveys, you won't be included in that part of the study.

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.

Do you attend a mainstream state school?
Is your school located in an area covered by Greater Manchester Police or Hertfordshire Police?
Are you currently in Year 7, 8, 9, or 10?
Has your school decided to take part in this study?
Are your parents or guardians happy for you to complete questionnaires?”

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your school and year group is chosen to take part in this study, you'll either receive the new PSHE lessons or continue with your normal PSHE classes. If you're in the group receiving the new lessons, you'll have three special lessons: your usual PSHE teacher will teach the first and last, and a police officer will teach the middle one. All students in years 7-10 at participating schools will be asked to complete two short surveys. The first survey will be before any lessons start, and the second one will be after they've finished. Each survey should take about 15 minutes to complete.

These surveys will ask about how you feel, what you think is right and wrong, your opinions about the police, and some general background questions. In addition to the surveys, some students, school staff, parents, and police officers might also be invited to take part in interviews or group discussions to share their thoughts and feelings about the lessons and the police. The study is expected to run from August 2024 to December 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers some potential benefits. Schools involved will get access to all the new PSHE lesson plans and materials developed by the PSHE Association, which could improve their teaching resources. It could also help build stronger links between your school and the local police. While there aren't direct benefits to individual students, the study's findings could help improve PSHE education for many young people in the future. On the other hand, there are a few small risks. Some students might feel a little uncomfortable with a police officer teaching a lesson or with some of the survey questions about the police. Also, completing the two surveys will take about 15 minutes each of your school time. While we collect general information, there's an extremely small chance that if you have very unusual characteristics, you *might* be identifiable in the overall results. Your parents will receive information about the study and have the chance to say that you cannot complete the surveys if they wish. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from completing the surveys at any time.

Locations (3)

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

Hertfordshire Constabulary HQ
City only
Welwyn Garden City, England
Greater Manchester Police Force HQ
City only
Manchester, England
Avon and Somerset Police
City only
Bristol, England

Common questions

What are PSHE lessons?

PSHE stands for Personal, Social, Health and Economic education. These are lessons that help you learn about important life skills, staying healthy and safe, and understanding society.

Will a police officer come to my school?

Yes, if your year group is part of the 'new lessons' group, a local police officer will teach one of the three lessons in the special PSHE units.

What kind of questions are in the survey?

The surveys ask about your strengths and difficulties, what you think is right and wrong, your views on the police, and some general questions about yourself.

Do my parents have to agree for me to take part?

Your parents or guardians will receive information and have the chance to say if they do not want you to complete the surveys. If they don't say no, it means they've given permission.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), which is a charity in the UK that aims to prevent children and young people from becoming involved in crime and violence.

How to find out more

Julia Ellingwood

julia.ellingwood@kcl.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7848 2749 Official trial record

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