Why having a great school culture matters for your child's success

Exceptional schools don’t happen by accident, they are built meticulously over time by caring teachers who prioritise students’ academics and wellbeing, colleagues’ development, and their school community’s involvement.

Research consistently shows that great leadership is one of the most important in-school factors affecting student achievement and wellbeing. When school leaders create safe, supportive environments where children are encouraged to aim high and believe in themselves, students are more motivated, more engaged, and more likely to succeed both academically and personally.

That’s exactly what Nord Anglia Education’s newest global research project is all about.

 

New research to help students thrive

In partnership with Dr Flossie Chua, Senior Researcher and Principal Investigator at Project Zero (a research centre at the Harvard Graduate School of Education), Nord Anglia has launched new research called ‘Leaders as Architects of Culture’ which explores the compelling ways school leaders can create the best conditions for students and teachers to flourish.

 

Why does this matter for your child?

The way leaders nurture and shape a school’s culture has a direct impact on your child’s learning, wellbeing, and confidence. To bring this to life in schools, we’re looking into how Nord Anglia leaders are: 

• Helping children develop thinking skills they can use in school and in life
• Building trust and strong relationships with students, parents and colleagues
• Creating spaces where students feel safe, curious, and connected
• Using language, values, and shared stories to help students feel part of something meaningful
  
  

Impact you can see

There’s already evidence of great leadership happening across every Nord Anglia school, with our approach strengthening classrooms across 34 countries and impacting over 90,000 students. 

As Dr Chua says, “We’re seeing leaders pause and reflect thoughtfully, act with purpose and vision, and imagine varied ways that their schools might support the aspirations of their staff and students. I believe that Nord Anglia schools are places where students are not only taught well, but are known, valued and inspired.” 

In fact, Nord Anglia’s research into effective leadership will culminate in a first-of-its-kind publication in 2026, full of real stories and strategies from our schools around the world.

 

Part of something bigger

This work builds on our wider education research portfolio, including Nord Anglia’s research partnership with Boston College on metacognition, as well as a Flag Time research project that helps our youngest learners develop skills for life. The DELTA project—also in collaboration with Dr Chua and Project Zero—explores how we can help students develop lifelong skills like creativity and critical thinking through structured learning and reflection. 

We’re about more than just strong academic foundations. Our commitment to educational research makes sure our students are growing up in an environment that’s constantly evolving to meet their needs and help them shine. 

Click here to find the perfect Nord Anglia school for your child.