myHappymind Portsmouth Case Study

Reducing suspensions and improving attendance.

Portsmouth Case Study

Introduction

Portsmouth City Council conducted an independent study examining attendance and behaviour data from schools across the area. The aim was to understand whether there were noticeable differences between schools using myHappymind and those that were not. Schools were grouped into two clear categories:

• Schools not using myHappymind
• Schools that had been using myHappymind consistently for two years

The study examined whether patterns differed between the two groups, despite all schools facing the same broader challenges, such as post-pandemic disruption, national policy changes, and socioeconomic pressures.

What the Study Found

The independent analysis revealed statistically meaningful differences in outcome trends.

The analysis showed clear and meaningful differences between the two groups:

• Schools using myHappymind experienced significantly smaller increases in suspensions

• Levels of severe and persistent absence rose far less in myHappymind schools than in schools not using the programme

Findings

Increase in Severe Persistent Absence

Increase in Suspensions

Non-mHm schools

Non-mHm schools

70%

132%

mHm schools

mHm schools

38%

32%

In simple terms, schools using myHappymind appeared to be more resilient during a difficult period for attendance nationally.

Conclusion

From a research perspective, this was a real-world study utilising existing school data over a 2-year period. While it wasn’t a controlled trial, it reflects what actually happens in schools on a day-to-day basis, making the findings especially relevant. The results show that the increase in severe persistent absence in myHappymind schools was almost half that seen in schools not using the programme. This suggests a strong link between consistent well-being education and better engagement with school. Furthermore, the dramatically smaller number of suspensions in myHappymind schools over the period illustrates the power of inclusive wellbeing approaches and culture shifts in schools, which impact behaviour and, in turn, reduce suspensions. It reinforces the idea that when children are supported with their mental health and emotional well-being in an inclusive way, via our NHS-backed programme, they are more able to stay connected to learning.

For councils and school leaders, the findings support the value of embedding wellbeing into everyday school life, rather than treating it as an add-on. The data suggests that myHappymind can help mitigate the impact of rising absenteeism and reduce the number of suspensions, making it a practical, scalable, and cost-effective part of wider attendance strategies. For researchers and academics, the study provides a strong foundation for future work, such as longer-term tracking or more in-depth statistical analysis, to further explore the impact.

In Summary

The Portsmouth City Council study provides independent evidence that schools using myHappymind show more positive attendance and behaviour trends than those that do not. While further research will always be valuable, these findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that whole-school wellbeing programmes play a crucial role in helping children feel settled, supported, and ready to learn.

thank you

myHappymindBridgford House

Laura.Earnshaw@myHappymind.org Founder and CEO