Three Rivers Academy started with understanding the backstory behind behaviour and transformed their setting for the wellbeing of both students and staff.
Jonathan Roddick knows what it's like to struggle at school. "I would often have been described as disruptive, disaffected and sometimes a school avoider," he reflects. "I was very fortunate to have support from two teachers who saw something in me and helped me go beyond. Without them, I doubt I'd be in this position talking to you today."
The challenge: a post-Covid shift in behaviour and belonging
At Three Rivers Academy – one of the secondary schools in the Trust – staff were seeing a sharp shift in student behaviour. Post-pandemic, a small group of pupils were having a big impact on the wider environment. Staff morale was dipping. Something had to change.
When they spoke to students directly, the messages were clear. Many didn’t feel like they belonged. Some had lost faith in the point of education altogether.
It was time for a reset. But instead of implementing stricter rules or consequences, Jonathan and the team took a different path.
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That's where Thrive comes in
“We worked with Thrive to reshape our approach to behaviour – not soft, not zero tolerance – but a culture based on understanding the backstory behind the behaviour.”
The school invested properly in comprehensive staff training and reset expectations. At the heart of their transformation was making relationships matter – taking time to understand each student's individual circumstances and backstory.
The results: transformation across the board
The shift has been significant:
- 30% reduction in behaviour incidents
- Improved attendance, especially amongst vulnerable learners
- Overwhelmingly positive staff feedback about the approach
- Stronger relationships, better outcomes and growing staff confidence
The results speak for themselves: when you move from 'managing' behaviour to understanding and supporting the social and emotional needs driving it, you can create lasting change for your entire school community.
Interested in finding out more about Three Rivers Academy?
Catch up with our recent webinar to hear Jonathan's story and recommendations for your setting.
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