The importance of happiness in academic success

As Year 11 and Year 13 students across the country are readying themselves for this year’s public exams season, it is the ideal time to remind ourselves what education is about.

I am very clear that a good education is partly judged around exam results, but is also about developing students’ character and skills, largely by students engaging with activities outside of the curriculum. And fundamentally, we all learn best – whether in the classroom or on the sports pitch – when we’re happy.

A focus on happiness is undoubtedly a key ingredient in our success at Benenden. When students feel happy, they are more engaged, resilient and capable of overcoming challenges.

This approach is backed by the science. Research in neuroscience and psychology, including a 2024 study by Hochschild & Ovalle and funded by the Medical Research Council, supports the idea that a positive emotional state plays a significant role in learning, motivation, memory retention and overall academic achievement.

So how can schools achieve this balance between work and play? At Benenden we ensure there is a good balance between academic focus and the downtime which allows the girls to unwind, reset and simply enjoy their school days. We nurture curiosity; diverse perspectives are not just respected but positively encouraged. The strength of the teacher-student relationships, as well as the close relationships between the students that come from a boarding culture, creates a safe and supportive environment which is key to the foundations of successful outcomes. A happy student is one who is supported in their ambition and enjoys taking on new challenges. They are stretched without being stressed.

The importance of enjoying school is central to the philosophy of ‘a complete education’ that Benenden offers. Boundless co-curricular activities are on offer for students to develop their interests and learn more about themselves. Participation is particularly high because they are operating within the safety of a supportive environment where they feel comfortable to take risks. Recent examples include a cabaret show in which our students put on a musical theatre evening for the rest of the school. We’ve enjoyed staff vs student sports matches. An inter-house drama competition sent up senior leadership as the butt of jokes. A talent show lit up our hall in the depths of a gloomy February. These are fun events that forge friendships and create happy memories for the students.

On the face of it, none of these activities (and countless others like them) contribute directly to the girls’ studies. These are not subject clinics, revision sessions, mock exams or extension lessons (don’t worry, we run these too!). But they play a vital role in the girls’ successful education – yes, including their academic performance – for the simple reason that they help to make the girls happy. 

Good academic results should come from a place of happiness and not stress.