Education

Results from the 2018 National Youth Social Action Survey show that compared to young people who don’t take part in social action, those who do are more likely to feel that they belong at their school; that their ideas are taken seriously; and that they have the opportunity to shape school plans and projects.

Results from the National Youth Social Action Survey have consistently shown links between social action and higher levels of wellbeing. Students who do social action also have stronger personal networks. A youth social action programme tested by the Behavioural Insights Team also found that the young people involved reported reduced anxiety by over a fifth.

In 2016, evaluation conducted by the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) of several social action programmes found that young people who participated in high-quality opportunities saw robust improvements in character qualities including empathy, cooperation, resilience and problem-solving. Evaluations undertaken by the EEF of both the Children’s University and Youth United also support these findings.

When surveyed in 2014, 85% of employers said that they prioritised character & attitude over academic results. A survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development also reported that 67% of employers say candidates with social action experience show better employability skills. 81% of young people participating in meaningful social action believe it will help them get a job in the future.

Research by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) shows that peer to peer tutoring has a positive impact on learning, equal to approximately five months’ progress.

Evaluation of the work of the Children’s University shows social action activities can also have a positive impact on maths and reading in KS2. Research completed in the United States also reveals that when social action was integrated into the curriculum there was a significant improvement in academic performance.