
In today's educational landscape, the increasing number of neurodiverse pupils and the reduction in funding to support them has created a pressing need for change.
Many education leaders are asking how they can shift their practices to foster environments where all pupils - regardless of neurotype - can thrive. Meaning that that senior and executive leaders in Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and mainstream schools, are tasked with not only responding to change but driving it.
With neurodiversity representing 15-20% of the UK school population, and the number of neurodiverse pupils - those with conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia - continues to rise, there’s an opportunity to lead a shift towards more inclusive, effective education practices.
Neurodiversity is no longer an emerging issue - it is a key aspect of the modern educational landscape. Mainstream schools are uniquely placed to harness the latest research to create environments where every pupil can flourish.
In 2023, the Department for Education reported that 16.5% of pupils in state-funded schools were identified with Special Educational Needs (SEN), many of whom are neurodivergent.
With increasing pressure to address the unique needs of these pupils, there is a growing awareness that traditional behaviour management approaches, while well-intentioned, may no longer serve this group as effectively as we would hope.
These methods were designed for a different time and a different understanding of pupil behaviour. The education system has been built upon practices that, for many years, helped maintain structure and order.
These methods emerged from research conducted 70-120 years ago, which, while groundbreaking for its time, focused on controlling behaviour rather than understanding it.
Today, however, we have access to a wealth of new research - particularly from the past 20 years - which offers deeper insights into how neurodiverse pupils experience the world and interact with their environment.
It’s natural for educators and leaders to rely on what they know - approaches that have been shaped by their own experiences in the classroom, their training, and societal norms.
Yet, as research continues to expand our understanding of child development and neurodiversity, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on whether our existing beliefs and practices still serve all pupils.
For neurodiverse pupils, behaviour is often a form of communication rather than defiance. What may look like misbehaviour is frequently a result of sensory overload, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, or difficulties with emotional regulation.
Traditional punitive measures often escalate these challenges, leaving both teachers and pupils struggling. Understanding the needs of neurodiverse children requires us to shift from control to compassion, allowing their unique strengths to emerge in an environment tailored to their needs.
However, making this shift isn’t about abandoning everything we know - it’s about building upon it with the latest science and recognising all pupils, neurodiverse or not, benefit from a more inclusive, supportive approach.
Mainstream schools are ideally positioned to be leaders in adopting inclusive, research-driven strategies. By embracing this shift, leaders have the potential to create environments where both pupils and staff thrive.
As senior leaders, you have a unique role in shaping the future of neurodiversity inclusion. It’s an opportunity not only to improve outcomes for neurodiverse pupils but to create more compassionate, supportive environments for all.
Leading Neurodiversity Inclusive, a program developed by Project Resilience, equips you with the practical tools to make this a reality. The program focuses on turning the latest research in neuroscience and child development into actionable strategies for your schools.
You can find out more about the programme here, which is being run in partnership with Red Kite Connect, commencing on Tuesday 28th January.
Moreover, Project Resilience offers a wide range of services that can help you lead this transformation:
By adopting these approaches, you can lead the way in creating a school culture that prioritises empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.
MAT and school leaders are at the helm of shaping the future of education. The shift towards neurodiversity inclusion isn’t just about accommodating needs - it’s about transforming the way we think about education.
The evidence is clear: when schools embrace inclusive, research-backed approaches, all pupils benefit. You have the opportunity to lead a new era in education, one where every child, regardless of neurotype, has the opportunity to thrive.
At Project Resilience, we’re ready to support you on this journey. Together, we can make mainstream schools the leaders in neurodiversity inclusion, setting a new standard for educational excellence.