Evaluation has found firm evidence that pupils participating in study support do better than expected from baseline measures in academic attainment, attitudes to school and attendance at school. Research has also found that students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those in need of additional support with their learning, as well as ethnic minority students, benefit the most from participation in study support activities.

Study support therefore has a key part to play in the behaviour and attendance programme. This aims to improve pupil behaviour and attendance by supporting practitioners through developing a consistent approach building on the best current practice. Its key objectives are:

• To reduce low-level behaviour problems.
• To reduce bullying.
• To reduce the number of incidents of extreme behaviour.
• To reduce the number of fixed term and permanent exclusions.
• To ensure high quality alternative provision for those excluded, supporting their reintegration.
• To reduce unauthorised absence and condoned truancies.
• To improve parents' and teachers' perceptions of behaviour.
• To close the gap between behaviour problems shown by different groups of pupils.

The behaviour and attendance website contains guidance and good practice on improving behaviour and attendance.

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