Educational disadvantage for governors | Mentally Healthy Schools

About this resource

This practical guide supports governing boards to understand and address educational disadvantage. It outlines key considerations for tackling disadvantage and signposts to relevant evidence and resources to inform decision-making.

The guidance encourages boards to look beyond pupil premium and consider how factors such as poverty, SEND, vulnerability and mental health can affect pupils’ learning and wellbeing. It includes reflective prompts to support strategic discussion and development of a clear, evidence-informed approach.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for: 

governing boards and trustees in schools and trusts
chairs of governors, link governors and leaders with responsibility for mental health and wellbeing.

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes:

Sustain and continually improve the approach in their setting, working effectively with peers and support networks.
Monitor the impact of a whole school or college approach in their setting.