The issue
Why it matters
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the development of core skills such as emotional awareness, self-management, empathy, communication, and responsible decision-making — abilities that help children and young people thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
​
The challenge
Traditional education systems often focus narrowly on academic outcomes, overlooking the social and emotional competencies that shape long-term wellbeing, resilience, and interpersonal success. Teachers are often unequipped to transmit these skills in a systematic way. Many students enter adulthood without the emotional tools needed to navigate complexity, relationships, or stress effectively.
​
Evidence of impact
Research shows that SEL is associated with:
-
Stronger academic outcomes (e.g., improved test scores and engagement)
-
Better mental health and school climate
-
Higher economic opportunities further down the line, and reduced behavioural issues
Our vision is for all children to be prepared to confront complex challenges head-on, in line with their aspirations, capabilities and needs. ​
​
Why invest now
The body of research on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is robust, offering strong evidence of which initiatives are effective across different contexts. The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated recognition of the need to innovate in education systems to support the wellbeing of both students and teachers, and most policymakers now acknowledge the foundational role of life skills in addressing the challenges facing young people.
Our strategy
Here is our three-pronged strategy to contribute to the wide-scale development of social and emotional skills amongst all children:
Ensure continuity across ages and settings
We support a range of organisations developing life skills from early childhood through late adolescence, ensuring a continuous learning pathway across ages. Our work spans formal education settings and extracurricular spaces, reinforcing the adoption of these skills both in and beyond schools.
Supporting the professional community around the child
We scale comprehensive training programmes for professionals who educate and care for children—including teachers, early-years practitioners, and school leaders—so they can adopt the right practices and mindsets and create positive, supportive learning environments.
Sharing best-practices
We support the production and dissemination of high-quality research, evidence, and best practices in social and emotional learning, and work to influence policy and decision-makers through coalitions and advocacy efforts.