• Student voice mechanisms need strengthening to ensure schools act meaningfully on boys’ views
• School buy‐in is critical to maximise impact and avoid disengagement
• Increased movement‐based and interactive activity would further improve engagement
Planned developments for 2025 – 26 include enhanced student‐voice activity( including national surveys), facilitated school – student dialogue, whole‐school CPD( e. g. Progressive Masculinity), and clearer pathways for follow‐up support.
Overall Assessment
Overall, the Empower Boys Programme demonstrates clear, evidence‐supported impact, particularly in improving resilience, motivation, and academic agency among Year 9 boys. The programme is cost‐effective, well‐received by students, and strongly aligned with current research and SUN strategic priorities. With targeted refinements and stronger school follow‐through, it has strong potential to deliver sustained, scalable impact for boys at risk of disengagement from education.