How Flourish Is Supporting Schools to Reduce Exclusions

Schools are facing growing pressure, from rising exclusions to increasingly complex pupil needs and ongoing challenges around attendance and behaviour. In this context, many are looking for approaches that go beyond policy and translate into meaningful change in day-to-day practice.

At Flourish, we work with schools through our Attachment and Trauma training programme, supporting staff to better understand behaviour, respond more effectively and build consistent approaches across the whole school. Our latest impact report, covering 347 schools across 20 local authorities, highlights the difference this is making. Schools saw a 21% reduction in exclusions in the first two years of implementation compared to national trends. Local authorities also reported an estimated £6 million in cost avoidance, equivalent to around £9 saved for every £1 invested.

This impact is rooted in changes to everyday practice. Staff develop greater confidence in how they respond to behaviour, with a clearer focus on understanding underlying need rather than reacting in the moment. As consistency strengthens across teams, pupils experience greater stability, leading to improved engagement, fewer exclusions and more positive outcomes overall.