Report

We used to have it all

Think tank: Social Market Foundation

Author(s): Dani Payne

April 7, 2025

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation argues that there is no inherent trade off between wellbeing and attainment in schools.

Through a literature review and new analysis of OECD data, this briefing paper argues that there is no inherent trade-off between wellbeing and attainment as some have suggested; and sets out the steps government should take to ensure that schools represent both academically challenging and enjoyable environments for children in England.