Best Practice

Nine factors that influence ‘belonging’ in school

Pastoral issues Mental health Pupil wellbeing Behaviour Anti-Bullying
Nurturing a sense of belonging at school can have a considerable impact on social and academic outcomes. Martha Evans explores nine factors that influence student belonging
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Research has shown that just three-fifths of students feel a sense of belonging at school while 15-year-olds in the UK report some of the lowest levels of life satisfaction across the OECD countries (Ingram et al, 2023).

This matters because evidence increasingly demonstrates that children and young people’s sense of belonging plays a decisive role in shaping their social, emotional, and mental health outcomes and academic performance (Allen et al, 2020).

At the National Children’s Bureau, we have worked with researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London, to understand what influences students’ sense of belonging in school. Below are some of the issues that are starting to emerge.

But first, what do we mean by “belonging”? Since the early 1990s, we have seen growing evidence of the importance of feeling included and having a sense of belonging at school.

Researchers back then argued that a student’s subjective sense of school belonging is “a potentially important influence on academic motivation, engagement, and participation” (Goodenow & Grady, 1993).

A useful definition of belonging is summarised in the essay School belonging: The importance of student and teacher relationships (Allen et al, 2021), which defines it as: “The extent to which students feel personally accepted, respected, included, and supported by others in the school social environment."

So, what are the key factors that might influence student belonging according to our new research with Goldsmiths?

 

1, Teacher-student relationships

The research shows that teachers are more than educators: they are mentors and guides shaping a student's journey. Studies consistently indicate that the emotional resonance a teacher creates significantly impacts a student's sense of belonging.

Empathy, availability, and emotional support emerge as pivotal elements, as was highlighted by a 2018 PISA study across 75 countries (OECD, 2019).

 

2, Peer relationships and support

The power of peer relationships should not be underestimated either. Positive social interactions and peer support play a direct role in fostering feelings of acceptance and closeness. Friendships forged during extra-curricular activities are particularly influential, offering a strong predictor of school belonging, as evidenced by various studies.

The research consistently shows that bullying levels are lower where a sense of belonging in schools is evident.

 

3, Individual traits and personal characteristics

A student's character traits are defining factors in their sense of belonging. Factors such as self-efficacy, conscientiousness, and hope have been shown to foster a positive connection, with those feelings being associated with a greater sense of belonging at school. Gender also plays a part, with studies showing that girls are more likely to form a sense of belonging in school than boys.

Students with SEND are more likely to say they do not feel a sense of belonging at school. We must do all we can to remove the barriers that children with SEND experience in accessing learning and inclusive school environments.

 

4, Parental support: A foundation for belonging

The importance of the parent-child relationship extends beyond the home, profoundly impacting a student's connection to their school. The research shows that parental involvement and support create an environment of care, compassion, and encouragement, contributing significantly to a child's sense of belonging.

 

5, Extra-curricular activities

Participation in extra-curricular activities emerges as a key factor in enhancing school belonging. While involvement is positive, studies caution against an excess of activities, emphasising the need for a balance with academic studies.

 

6, School climate and safety: Shaping perceptions

The research shows that a school's “climate”, sometimes referred to as its culture or ethos, along with safety measures, significantly influences students' perceptions of belonging. Fairness, both in policies and interactions, plays a crucial role in creating a supportive environment.

How safe a school may feel to a child, both emotionally and physically, can influence their sense of belonging. For example, unsupervised periods during the day can impact negatively on their interactions with others, and how school classrooms are set up can influence students’ wellbeing.

 

7, Student aspirations: Bridging the present and future

A student's sense of belonging can extend its influence to future career decisions. Confidence in making these decisions often correlates with a strong sense of belonging during school years. Therefore, the benefits of having a positive connection with school is palpable while in education and stretch into adulthood.

 

8, Academic achievement and attendance

The research shows students’ sense of belonging impacts their academic outcomes, including academic achievement, classroom engagement, motivation, and attendance. Positive peer relationships and emotional wellbeing also play significant roles.

Conversely, low academic achievement often coincides with a lack of belonging. Attendance rates are also closely tied to belonging, with higher levels of connectedness correlating with better attendance, particularly among at-risk students. Addressing belongingness is crucial for improving outcomes.

 

9, Wellbeing: Understanding self-esteem

The research shows that having a strong feeling of belonging at school is very important for students' happiness and mental health. Feeling connected and supported by others around you helps protect you against feeling down or stressed, no matter your background.

It shows that when students feel like they belong at school, they tend to be happier, more confident, and do better overall. When students are moving from primary to secondary school, feeling like they fit in can really make a difference in how they handle changes and challenges and also how they feel about themselves.

Additionally, school belonging is linked to better mental health, including reduced levels of suicidal ideation and depression and improved sleep quality, especially among secondary-age children.

However, challenges such as bullying, disciplinary practices like isolation, and feelings of loneliness can diminish students' sense of belonging and negatively affect their mental health and self-esteem. A sense of belonging in school is a basic requirement to fully experience and optimise school life.

 

Final thoughts

In our quest for academic achievement, let's not forget the importance of fostering an environment where students feel a sense of belonging. Teachers, peers, personal characteristics, and various external factors intertwine to create a tapestry of connection. Understanding and addressing these factors are instrumental in nurturing a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. After all, education is not just about what's taught in the curriculum; it's about building a community where every student feels they truly belong.

 

Further information & resources