A healthy school promotes the health and well-being of its pupils and staff through a well-planned, taught curriculum in a physical and emotional environment that promotes learning and healthy lifestyle choices The aims of the NHSP are:

• To support children and young people in developing healthy behaviours
• To help to raise pupil achievement
• To help to reduce health inequalities
• To help promote social inclusion

Evidence available at www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk/evidenceofimpact demonstrates that pupils who are healthy achieve well at school:

• Schools can use the NHSP whole school approach to bring about sustained school improvement
• Schools with Healthy School status have better results for all Key Stage 1 assessments and Key Stage 2 science compared with other schools
• School involved in the NHSP are more inclusive
• Pupils in Healthy Schools report a range of positive behaviors such as diminished fear of cullying and a reduced likelihood of using illegal drugs
• Personal, Social and health education (PSHE) is enhanced
• There is more effective liaison between home and school, and school and external support agencies