Tenacious Schools & The EBSNA HUB 

Tenacious Schools

 

What is the purpose of education? What does meaningful, engaging and inclusive education look like? What is required to meet the needs and abilities of all our young people? What educational offer will support an emotionally, intellectually, financially, physically well and thriving society?

 

While academics and successive governments grapple with these questions, increasing numbers of children and families have opted to leave or disengage from mainstream education.

 

After 25 years in teaching and headship,  I founded Tenacious Schools in 2025, after finshing a Masters studying our education systems impact on young peoples mental health. Tenacious Schools is a 10-part framework and set of tools developed from my research, literature and empirical, capturing the drivers and experiences of young people who have left our school system due to their mental health challenges. 

 

The overarching aim is to contribute to a collaborative community; its' purpose is to support teachers and schools in meeting the needs of all young people with innovation, flexibility and tenacity. It is a first step in the move towards a truly inclusive schools system that reflects the values and aspirations of the society we wish to create.​

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Since my research and developing the Tenacious Schools, we have had the Curriculum Review, White Paper 2026 and the SEND Reforms consultations. Each of these aim to develop inclusion in our mainstream schools. Schools are willing to meet this challenge. With students' needs ever more diverse, our understanding of these needs more sophisticated, resources stretched and accountability frameworks yet to mirrror the level of inclusion required, we have an exciting challenge ahead. One that schools, by their tenacious nature, will rise to.

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Read about me and the story behind Tenacious Schools.

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Tara Bell, Founder, EBSNA Hub and Tenacious Schools