Becoming a health promoting school (HPS) offers significant benefits for students, staff and the wider community. Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) and others emphasises that schools are uniquely positioned to shape lifelong health behaviours, as they reach children at critical developmental stages and influence families through their connection to the community3.
A HPS integrates health into every aspect of its operations, from curriculum design to school policies, ensuring a holistic approach to student wellbeing. Evidence shows that prioritising health supports academic success. Students in schools with comprehensive health initiatives demonstrate improved concentration, reduced absenteeism, and higher academic performance3.
For teachers, working in a health promoting environment fosters professional satisfaction and wellbeing. Research highlights the importance of promoting teacher mental health and reducing burnout, as educators who are well supported are better equipped to guide and inspire students1,4.
By focusing on physical, mental, sexual and social health, a HPS creates a supportive and inclusive environment. Adopting this model helps the school become a hub for health, equipping students and staff with the tools to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
Becoming a HPS extends benefits beyond students and teachers, positively impacting parents/carers and the wider community. For parents/carers, a HPS provides valuable support in fostering their children’s health and wellbeing. By integrating health education into the curriculum and promoting healthy lifestyles, schools equip students with knowledge, skills and habits that can extend to their homes. Programs addressing health areas such as nutrition, physical activity, sexual health, and mental health can encourage families to adopt healthier routines. Parents/carers are often engaged through workshops, resources, and school-led initiatives, empowering them to reinforce positive practices at home and develop the knowledge to support their children’s learning and health.
For more information on the benefits with examples, see the What is a health promoting schools? book.
References:
- World Health Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (2021, June 22). Making every school a health-promoting school – Global standards and indicators. Retrieved November 3, 2024, from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240025059
- World Health Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (2021, June 22). Making every school a health-promoting school – Global standards and indicators. Retrieved November 3, 2024, from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240025059
- Pulimeno, M., Piscitelli, P., Colazzo, S., Colao, A., & Miani, A. (2022). School as ideal setting to promote health and wellbeing among young people. Health Promotion Perspectives, 10(4), 316–324. https://doi.org/10.34172/hpp.2020.50
- Runions, K., Dr, & Cross, D., Prof, (2022, May 1). Student and staff mental health and wellbeing. Student and Staff Wellbeing. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://isa.edu.au/documents/report-wellbeing-of-students-and-staff/
