Public Health England and the NAHT have published a briefing for head teachers, governors and staff in educational settings summarising the key evidence highlighting the link between health and wellbeing and educational attainment.
The briefing has been produced due to the wealth of the research linking education and health. By promoting health and wellbeing in schools there is potential to improve the educational outcomes of pupils. Subsequently the report calls for health and wellbeing to be promoted as an integral part of a school effectiveness strategy.
The positive association between physical activity and the academic attainment of pupils is emphasised as a key point in the briefing. Based on the evidence:
• the intensity and duration of exercise are both linked to improved academic performance
• physical activity has been linked to improved classroom behaviour across the whole school
• a UK study found that the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) pupils engaged with at age 11 had an effect on academic performance across English, Maths and Science at age 11,13 and final GCSE exam results
• pupils engaging in sport and physical activity as self-development activities achieved 10-20% higher GCSE grades.
To view this click here; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-link-between-pupil-health-and-wellbeing-and-attainment
