Promoting health in secondary schools

Abstract

Describes the Promoting Health in Secondary Schools project, which was commissioned by the Health Education Authority in January 1994. The aim of the project was to support regional and local education and health professionals and colleagues in secondary schools in their efforts to develop effective whole‐school approaches to health at the levels of both policy and practice. The work was co‐ordinated by the Institute of Education and Goldsmith’s College, University of London. Gives, as an example of what can be achieved, a range of future projects identified by one of the secondary schools involved. Concludes that the project was able to stimulate healthy alliances, create opportunities for sharing effective practice and influence local funding priorities. Evaluation showed that health issues, if developed in a whole‐school context, can articulate closely with wider school and community concerns about making school more effective and increasing school achievement. Regrets that the project was not extended beyond the stage described.