Evaluation of the Schools Linking Network: Final Report, NFER, March 2011

NFER evaluation   https://www.nfer.ac.uk/evaluation-of-the-schools-linking-network-final-report/

Evaluations of The Linking Network linking show that the linking model can achieve powerful impact where pupils gain:

• Increased respect for others, self-confidence, self-efficacy.
• Increased knowledge and understanding of complex issues and willingness to voice opinions and listen to others;
• School linking can have a positive impact on many aspects of pupils’ skills, attitudes, perceptions and behaviours, particularly their respect for others, their self-confidence and their self-efficacy, as well as broadening the social groups with whom pupils interact.

Key Findings

• The key determinant of the impact and outcomes of school linking for pupils is the intensity of the school linking experience. Linking had the greatest positive impact when the children at the linked schools met two or more times a year.
• School linking can have a positive impact on many aspects of pupil’s skills, attitudes, perceptions and behaviours, particularly their respect for others, their self-confidence and their self-efficacy.
• LAs have a critical role to play in supporting the  programme in schools through partnership working with schools at local level.
• School and LA staff also benefit from the programme in terms of CPD, opportunities for self- reflection and learning about their pupils.
• The majority of schools and LAs who took part in the programme planned to continue their involvement.
• The programme was considered to be highly cost effective in relation to the impacts and outcomes it achieved.
• The sustainability of school linking is improved where conscious attempts are made to embed the learning across the school curriculum.