What is Study Support?

Study support (out of school hours learning) covers a wide range of learning activities outside normal lesson time in which young people participate voluntarily. This includes activities such as homework and study clubs, sport and outdoor activities, the creative arts, community volunteering, mentoring, opportunities to pursue particular interests (e.g. ICT and languages) and learning about learning (i.e. study and thinking skills).

Study support includes the Playing for Success initiative, which has established study support centres at top football and other sports grounds. For more information see the Playing for Success Website - click on the icon on the right.  

Research evidence has shown that study support impacts on three key areas of students' development:

• attainment at GCSE and KS3 SATs
• attitudes to school
• attendance at school

The overall effect of participation in study support is:

• three and a half grades on Best 5 score, or one more A-C pass at GCSE
• half a grade in Maths and English GCSE
• a third of a level in Maths SATs at KS3
• three quarters of a level in Science SATs at KS3

These findings are discussed further in The Impact of Study Support, a research report describing the findings of a three year longitudinal evaluation The Study Support National Evaluation and Development Programme (SSNEDP). The Essential Guide to the Impact of Study Support, gives a brief overview of the findings.

Who benefits?

All young people who participate in study support can benefit from activities that build their confidence, increase their motivation and help them to acquire the good learning habits which lead to independent, lifelong learning.

Thinking about setting up a study support activity? Contact the Head Teacher of your local school or the Study Support Coordinator in your LA, to discuss your ideas.

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