Why make a website about belonging in schools?

A sense of belonging is a fundamental human need and is at the heart of every thriving school community. When students, staff, and families feel connected, valued, and included, it creates a foundation for academic success, emotional wellbeing, and strong relationships. Research shows that a sense of belonging improves student engagement, resilience, and overall happiness, while reducing feelings of isolation and disengagement.

According to Allen and Kern (2020), in their book Boosting School Belonging, research has found that 1 in 4 adolescents report feeling disconnected from their school.

This challenge can be even more complex in an international school setting, where diverse cultural backgrounds, language barriers, and frequent transitions can make fostering a sense of belonging more difficult.

This toolkit is designed to help educators create environments where everyone feels they belong—through practical strategies, targeted interventions, and actionable insights. 

How do we define belonging?

One of the most widely cited definitions comes from Goodenow and Grady (1993), who describe belonging as "the extent to which students feel personally accepted, respected, included, and supported by others in the school social environment." 

Allen and Kern (2020) offer a further detailed breakdown of what it means for students to experience a sense of belonging. At its core, belonging is a subjective feeling that others genuinely care for, accept, and respect a student for who they are. It involves being truly known—not just by name but through an understanding of their interests, fears, and aspirations—and being accepted for both their strengths and weaknesses. 

Respect is essential, with each individual treated with humanity regardless of their background or differences. Inclusion is another vital element, as belonging means active participation in school life, whether through class activities, social groups, or extracurriculars. Equally important is support, where students can access help for academic, emotional, or personal challenges. 

Finally, this sense of belonging is a collective effort, fostered by the entire school community, including peers, teachers, staff, and parents, working together to create an inclusive and supportive environment.