Can you donate £3 a month to help raise empathy-educated generations? Donate today
Can you donate £3 a month to help raise empathy-educated generations? Donate today
Children and young people learn best when they feel understood, connected and safe. Yet with the rising pressures on schools, creating that environment can feel harder than ever.
Empathy is a learnable, life‑changing skill that transforms how children relate to themselves, each other and their learning. And books are one of the most powerful tools we have to build it.
Our evidence‑based programme helps schools embed empathy education through reading in a way that strengthens relationships, calms classrooms and boosts reading attainment – all within your existing practice.
“EmpathyLab has had a profound impact on crafting a culture of kindness and understanding. It has given us the tools to embed empathy at the heart of our school ethos — across every level of our community.”
Craig Ross, Depute Headteacher, Prestwick Academy
Teachers consistently report meaningful, day‑to‑day improvements:
of teachers say pupils better understand empathy and its value
of teachers see increased reading enjoyment and engagement
of teachers report calmer classrooms
of teachers gain new skills and confidence in teaching empathy through books
of schools are satisfied or very satisfied with the programme and training
When children understand feelings, their own and others’, they read with more curiosity, motivation and depth. Our programme, grounded in current psychology and neuroscience, gives teachers the framework and resources to use diverse literature to actively build four core empathy skills.
Recent longitudinal research from the University of Sussex – the first study of its kind to be carried out in UK Primary Schools – shows the link is powerful: empathy development and reading ability reinforce each other. Investing in one strengthens the other, a rare opportunity for schools under pressure on both wellbeing and attainment fronts.
“Pupils who better understand others’ emotions become stronger, more motivated readers.”
Reading Feelings — longitudinal research, University of Sussex, 2025.
Behaviour & wellbeing
Calmer classrooms, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of belonging
Reading & literacy attainment
Improved engagement, enjoyment and reading ability — including for reluctant readers and pupils with SEND.
Curriculum breadth
Strengthened PSHE, SMSC, Humanities and Personal Development provision.
Community engagement
Improved family relationships, boosting reading engagement at home, and encouraging meaningful local social action.
The EmpathyLab framework is designed to fit into what you already do, not add to staff workload. You set the pace.
We stay with you for a full academic year to help embed change that lasts.
You nominate an Empathy Lead who attends two online training days alongside SLT and relevant colleagues (Literacy, PSHE, Librarians, Thrive/Nurture Leads – your choice as suits your setting).
Expert‑led sessions covering the evidence base, practical classroom tools and action planning tailored to your school.
“I left both sessions full of ideas I can realistically implement — without stress.”
Post‑training feedback in 2025
Curriculum‑linked resources, book lists and classroom materials, accessible for the academic year following your training.
Live online events with leading children’s and YA authors and illustrators every term – direct access for your pupils to the nation’s favourite authors, with sessions that support your empathy work and spark reading engagement.
Termly online sessions for Empathy Leads, a dedicated Schools Programme Manager, and evaluation tools to help you track and evidence your impact.
Primary, secondary and SEND settings across England, Scotland and Wales are part of our learning community – over 70 schools and growing.
Online training programme — £500 per school
Includes both training days, a full year of digital resources, bespoke programme support and all author events.
Most comparable CPD programmes offer far less for significantly more.
In‑person training for groups of schools — £700 per school
Available via MATs or Local Authorities (minimum 8 schools, with discounts for larger groups). Get in touch to discuss.
Continuing access — £150 per year
After your first year, retain access to all resources, support and author events.
Making the budget work
We know budgets are tight. We’ll work with you.
Just ask, we’re here to help.
All online sessions run 9.30–3.30.
Summer cohort 16th & 25th June 2025
Autumn cohort 3rd & 18th November 2025
You nominate an Empathy Lead as your main point of contact. It’s most effective if they attend both days alongside a member of SLT and any relevant staff — Literacy or Reading Leads, PSHE Leads, Librarians, Thrive/Nurture/Intervention Leads, or Humanities and Wellbeing Leads. The Empathy Lead role is an ideal opportunity for a middle leader ready to step into whole‑school development.
You implement your action plan at your own pace, with support from us as needed. Around two terms in, we bring schools back together to share impact and learning. Your access to resources, support and author events continues for the full academic year following training.
Yes. The framework works across primary, secondary and SEND settings. You adapt it to your context, priorities and pace.
You can still explore this approach in your own classroom practice through our online course for individual practitioners.
Get in touch. We can talk through instalment options, group discounts and sponsorship support. If there’s something specific holding you back, let us know — we’ll do what we can.
Register for an upcoming cohort today, or get in touch if you’d like to talk through how this could work in your school.
Please fill out this form to enquire about our Schools Programme
Robin Banerjee: the educational importance of empathy
Headteacher Sonia Thompson on the power of EmpathyLab’s work
Pembroke Dock Community School: building curriculum with our cluster
Pembroke Dock Community School: the creation of their new curriculum
Kate Clarke Advocacy
Hallam Fields
