Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in Schools

Which Skills Does Social and Emotional Learning Develop in Students?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a crucial aspect of education that helps students develop key life skills which are vital for their overall development and success. These skills include:

• Emotional awareness and management: Recognising and controlling one’s emotions.
• Relationship building: Establishing and maintaining healthy and rewarding relationships.
• Social skill development: Effectively navigating social situations and norms.
• Resilience and coping strategies: Handling stress and adversity.
• Decision-making abilities: Making constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions.

What Impact Does Social and Emotional Learning Have in Schools?

Implementing SEL not only supports individual growth but also leads to significant improvements across various areas of school life:

• Academic performance: Students with strong SEL skills tend to perform better academically. A study by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) found that students who participated in SEL programs showed 11 percentile point gains in academic achievement compared to students who did not participate in SEL programs*.
• Attendance: Students engaged in SEL programs are more likely to attend school regularly. This increase in attendance is likely due to the enhanced school climate and students feeling more connected and supported within their school community​.
• Behaviour: SEL is associated with a reduction in behavioral issues. Schools implementing SEL noted decreases in disciplinary incidents and improvements in student behaviour, creating a more conducive learning environment​.
• Mental Wellbeing: SEL programs contribute to better mental health outcomes for students. They are designed to enhance coping skills, resilience, and emotional identification, which can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety​.
• Peer Relationships: There is also a significant improvement in peer relationships among students who participate in SEL. These programs help develop key skills such as empathy, respect, and cooperation, which are crucial for healthy interpersonal relationships​.

What Are the Core Components of SEL?

• Self-awareness: Students learn to understand their emotions and the effect these emotions have on their behaviour.
• Relationship skills: This involves building positive relationships, communicating effectively, and working collaboratively.
• Emotional management: Key strategies include managing stress and impulses, and motivating oneself.

The Evidence for SEL in UK Schools

What does UK and international research show about SEL’s impact?

A growing body of research demonstrates that SEL improves both academic and behavioural outcomes. International meta-analyses have shown gains of up to 11 percentile points in academic achievement for students engaged in SEL programmes. In the UK, schools that adopt structured SEL approaches report reductions in exclusions, improved attendance, and more positive classroom climates.

What does the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) say about SEL?

The EEF has evaluated multiple SEL interventions and found consistent evidence that they can improve pupils’ attainment, behaviour, and social outcomes. Their guidance emphasises that the most successful programmes are explicit, structured, and integrated into everyday teaching rather than treated as standalone lessons. Importantly, SEL is most effective when embedded across a whole-school culture.

How do UK schools measure SEL outcomes effectively?

Measuring SEL can be challenging, as progress is not always captured in academic data. UK schools increasingly use a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures, such as:

• Attendance and exclusion statistics
• Classroom behaviour logs
• Pupil voice surveys
• Teacher observations
• Assessment tools like the Boxall Profile® Online

This mixed-methods approach ensures that both the academic and emotional dimensions of progress are tracked, giving schools a holistic understanding of pupil development.

How Can Schools Implement Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?

To effectively embed SEL within the curriculum, schools need to adopt a structured, holistic approach that aligns with the Six Principles of Nurture:

• Assessment and identification: Tools like the Boxall Profile® Online are essential for identifying the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students, allowing for tailored interventions.
• Creating supportive learning environments: Utilising a whole-school strategy ensures that SEL is integrated into every part of the school’s daily activities, supported by ongoing staff training and family engagement.
• Measuring SEL success: Success can be evaluated using
• Quantitative metrics: Observations of improved attendance, reduced behavioral incidents, Boxall assessments and better academic results.
• Qualitative outcomes: Notable enhancements in students’ emotional awareness, empathy, and community involvement.

SEL and Teacher Wellbeing

Why teacher emotional competence matters

Teachers are not just facilitators of learning, they are emotional role models. Research in UK schools shows that when teachers demonstrate strong emotional regulation, pupils mirror these behaviours, creating calmer, more productive classrooms. The Department for Education (DfE) has highlighted the importance of staff wellbeing in sustaining positive school cultures. Without emotionally healthy teachers, embedding SEL at a whole-school level is extremely difficult.

How SEL training benefits staff as well as pupils

Professional development in SEL does not only equip teachers to deliver lessons; it strengthens their own resilience, empathy, and classroom management skills. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) notes that SEL programmes are most effective when teachers receive structured training and ongoing support. This dual benefit helps reduce teacher burnout and enhances their capacity to model the very skills they are trying to instil in pupils.

Reducing teacher stress and improving retention

Teacher attrition is a significant issue in the UK, with workload and stress frequently cited as reasons for leaving the profession. Embedding SEL strategies in daily practice, such as mindfulness routines, emotional check-ins, and relationship-building activities, provides teachers with tools to manage their own stress. Schools that adopt whole-staff SEL approaches report higher morale, lower absenteeism, and better staff retention.

How Does Technology Support Social and Emotional Learning?

Modern technology enhances SEL through:

• Real-time monitoring: Tracking progress and adapting strategies quickly.
• Personalised learning plans: Tailoring educational experiences to meet individual needs.
• Data-driven insights: Using collected data to inform decision-making and interventions.

What Resources Help Schools Embed SEL Effectively?

Schools implementing SEL have access to various resources:

• Professional development: Training materials and workshops focused on SEL.
• Implementation guides and tools: Step-by-step guides and tools like the Boxall Profile® Online to support effective implementation.

Next Steps: Embedding SEL with the Boxall Profile®

Integrating SEL into the educational system is not just beneficial; it is essential for equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of modern life. By embracing SEL, schools commit to developing well-rounded, emotionally intelligent individuals who are prepared for the challenges of the future.

Through the integration of the Boxall Profile® Online and a dedication to nurturing principles, schools can effectively implement comprehensive SEL programs, making a significant difference in both individual lives and the broader school community.