About this book
Every child deserves to walk through their school gates and feel as though they belong. This is a moral imperative, but also a practical one as belonging is essential for deep and meaningful learning. But what does belonging really mean, and how can schools create more of it? This book unpacks the science that underpins belonging, drawing on evidence from psychology, neuroscience, educational research and sociology. Written an experienced school leader, the book helps leaders develop a deeper understanding of belonging and how to promote it within their school.
The book begins by explaining the foundations of belonging, how it manifests in schools and the impact it can have. It then examines how belonging develops across different ages and phases of education, offering practical strategies, real-world examples and solutions to common challenges. Chapters cover:
- The relationship between belonging and learning
- The role of play and collaboration in building bonds
- Building connection through shared values
- The impact of transition on belonging
- Ensuring that all children are being seen and see themselves
- Supporting pupils through change and uncertainty
- The adolescent brain: challenges and opportunities for belonging
- Peer pressure and the double-edged sword of group dynamics
Coming soon…
Coming 3rd December, 2026
About the Author
Jon Hutchinson is Regional Director at the Reach Foundation, UK. Jon is also cofounder of Meno Academy, a platform providing high-quality, bite-sized subject knowledge videos for primary school teachers..
What people are saying
“Genuinely one of the best books I have ever read. Possibly the perfect edu-book. Smuggles in so much more than belonging. Tenderly written.” – Peps Mccrea, Director of Education, Steplab
“Very few books shift a national conversation. Building Belonging in Schools is one of them. In reframing belonging through interdisciplinary and intersectional lenses, Jon Hutchinson brings clarity to something too often treated superficially. At a time when inclusion matters more than ever, Building Belonging in Schools is not just a compelling argument, but a practical one. It has real implications for the curriculum, teaching, and school culture. And it matters for learning, because when pupils feel they belong, they engage more deeply and they achieve more. It’s full of subtle insights and sensitive strategies and I guarantee you’ll take away at least one idea and put it into your practice immediately.” – Mary Myatt, Education writer and speaker, Founder of The Myatt & Co Curriculum
“This is a superb and timely book: intellectually serious, morally grounded, and deeply practical. It refuses the shallow comforts that too often pass for “belonging” and instead roots the idea in real learning science, strong teaching, and the daily conditions that help students thrive. Most importantly, it dismantles the false choice between belonging and academic rigour. Here, belonging is not the soft alternative to excellence; it is one of the conditions that makes excellence possible. Essential reading for school leaders and teachers alike.” – Dr Haili Hughes, Associate Professor of Educational Impact and Innovation at La Trobe University, Melbourne
What is the Teacher CPD Academy book series?
In short, it’s a series of books written by leading education experts, co-edited by InnerDrive’s Edward Watson and Bradley Busch, and published by Routledge. In this ever-expanding series, educators can discover the many applications of Cognitive Science to Teaching & Learning.
Where does the Academy bit come in? Well, each book will also be accompanied by its own interactive training module on InnerDrive’s Teacher CPD Academy online platform!
Each book offers a deep dive into its own focal area, through a lens of Cognitive Science alongside supporting classroom examples and graphics.
Lead Psychologist at InnerDrive, Bradley Busch says “we are very proud to be able to platform brilliant researchers, teachers and senior leaders as part of this series. They are going to cover areas of topics that matter to classroom teachers and how they can apply Cognitive Science research in new and innovative ways.”
Upcoming in the Teacher CPD Academy book series…
- Independent Learners – Developing Fearless, Knowledgeable, Metacognitive students – by Katie Holmes
- Wicked Leadership – by Dr Neil Gilbride
- Primary Teaching Routines – by Ben Cooper
To be the first to hear when these books are available for pre-order, and to receive our latest Teaching & Learning research resources, join our newsletter.
More from InnerDrive & Routledge
It’s a real pleasure to collaborate with Routledge on this series, after a brilliant time working with them on our last two books, The Science of Learning and Teaching & Learning Illuminated.
“Their commitment to helping develop evidence-informed teaching and producing high-quality books makes Routledge an ideal publisher for InnerDrive to partner with.” – Edward Watson, founder of InnerDrive