Thoughts

Why belonging matters as much as revision technique

Sarah Kennett

Published on: 31/08/2026

New government research links how much pupils feel they belong at school to their GCSE results, with a gap of a full grade between those who do and those who don't. SEND, disadvantaged, and female students report the lowest ratings.

school belongingneurodivergent learnersGCSE resultsSEND students

Inclusive Education

Sarah Kennett

Published on: 17/08/2026

In this post, inspired by an article in the TES this week. I am reflecting on the language we use and how it can be powerful and help us have a successful, inclusive culture.

Inclusive language in schoolsLanguage and neurodivergent studentsWords that lower expectationsInclusive tutoring practicePhrases to avoid with SEND students

Neurodiversity and GCSE Assessment

Sarah Kennett

Published on: 05/01/2026

Assessment lies at the heart of the GCSE qualification. Yet, for many neurodivergent students, exam outcomes don’t reflect their knowledge or potential. New research funded by the Nuffield Foundation is helping us understand why that gap exists.

exam performance typinginclusive assessmentneurodivergent learnerseducation equityCourseworkplain englishvaried formatsexam accommodations UK