Report

We used to have it all

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

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, has stated that she wants schools to end “tunnel vision” around exams and shift toward prioritising pupil wellbeing. “A sole focus on achievement is doomed to fail”, she has said, pointing to the rates of young people in the UK that feel they don’t belong in school – higher than in most OECD countries. Whilst welcomed by some, others have accused her of “dumbing down”; reflecting a broader concern about whether it is possible to have both happy and high-achieving children.

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; and sets out what steps government should take to ensure that schools represent both academically challenging and enjoyable environments for children in England.