Beyond the Classroom: Strengthening Pupil Engagement, Attendance and Belonging through Community Partnerships
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This research investigates how community-based, relationship-centred educational approaches can support pupil engagement, attendance and belonging among young people at risk of school disengagement. The study presents an illuminative evaluation of a 10-week programme delivered through a partnership between the University of Glasgow, a secondary school in East Renfrewshire and a local community boxing and fitness gym, supporting pupils aged 11–13 experiencing attendance and behavioural challenges. The research was led collaboratively by a Senior Lecturer in Health and Wellbeing in Initial Teacher Education and a Principal Teacher of Health and Wellbeing, combining expertise across educational research, wellbeing, inclusion and school-based practice. Drawing on qualitative interviews with pupils, parents, teachers and community partners, alongside descriptive attendance data, the research identified improvements in pupils’ emotional regulation, sense of belonging and engagement with school. Attendance among participating pupils increased between 16% and 55%, with improvements largely sustained at a 12-month follow-up. The findings highlight the potential of community partnerships, relational pedagogy and alternative learning environments to support re-engagement for pupils facing complex barriers to school participation. The study contributes evidence to current Scottish policy discussions relating to attendance, inclusion, wellbeing and multi-agency approaches to supporting vulnerable learners.
Authors: Breslin, Mark, Mitchell, Jesse
Language: English
Subfield: Safety Research
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7134152020
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