Evaluation of a Trauma Informed Schools Pilot, Bolton 

Evaluation completed March 2026

What does the evaluation mean for Local Government?

While research has reported positive outcomes associated with TIP, gaps remain in the evidence base. Although research on TIP in the UK context is growing, much research on TIP stems from the USA context.  A Public Health England (PHE) review advises that most TIP evaluations have been of small-scale interventions, not capturing outcomes across different levels (including both outcomes for organisational and individuals) and there is a lack of clarity about the potential for TIP to result in unintended outcomes.  

The local authority partner has requested a relatively rapid evaluation to inform its ongoing work on trauma informed approaches, commencing within the remaining academic school year. There is a particular interest in wider generalisability and learning from the pilot to inform the rollout of a trauma informed approach across the education system in the borough.

The overarching aim is to contribute knowledge and understanding about the implementation of TIP within school settings in order to inform future local programme development and implementation. 

What does the evaluation mean for the Public?

Trauma-informed practice (TIP) is about reducing the negative impact of trauma experiences on people’s life opportunities. Bolton council has funded a pilot initiative providing training and support to a local secondary school, so staff can better understand what trauma is, and how it affects young people. The plan is also to roll out learning from this pilot to encourage TIP in other schools locally.  

The aim is to make changes to the school environment and the relationships between staff and students to improve students’ learning, wellbeing and social outcomes. The contribution to the knowledge and understanding about the implementation of TIP within school settings aims to improve the health and wellbeing of students.