BERA is delighted to announce the successful recipients of the Neurodiversity in Mainstream Schools Grant Programme, funded by the Kusuma Trust. This initiative supports innovative research aimed at improving the school experience and academic attainment of neurodivergent young people. 

Following a rigorous evaluation process, four outstanding projects have been awarded funding worth £160,000.

These projects reflect a diverse range of approaches to advancing inclusive practices, developing life skills, and enhancing pathways to employment for neurodivergent learners.

The awarded projects are:

1. EcoNiches of Learning: Applying socioecological niches for the
organisation of secondary STEM classrooms as neuroinclusive
environments

Principal Investigator: Dr. Carla Finesilver

King’s College London
Gateways School

This project explores the application of socioecological niches to secondary STEM classrooms, aiming to design neuroinclusive learning environments. By leveraging socioecological principles, the work seeks to foster settings that align with the strengths and needs of neurodivergent students, ultimately enhancing engagement and academic success in STEM education.

2. Raising Educational Outcomes for Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jo Van Herwegen

UCL Institute of Education
Overton CE Primary School
Greenvale school
Beech Lodge School

Focusing on targeted interventions, this project will conduct a detailed component analysis to develop an evidence-based teacher toolkit. The toolkit aims to improve the academic outcomes of students with special educational needs and disabilities by providing educators with practical strategies grounded in robust research.

3. ‘FutureDiversity’: Preparing Neurodivergent Learners for Their Future Pathways

Principal Investigator: Dr. Poppy Gibson

The Open University
West London College

This innovative programme is co-created with Key Stage 4 students and focuses on preparing neurodivergent learners for their future pathways. By prioritizing the voices and experiences of young people, the research will create actionable frameworks to enhance their employability skills and readiness for life beyond school.

4. Bridging Worlds: blending organic and co-created digital
environments to support neurodivergent young people in
mainstream education

Principal Investigator: Dr. Tracy Ann Hayes

Plymouth Marjon University
University of Salford
Plymouth City Council Poole Farm

The project blends organic and co-created digital environments to support neurodiverse learners in mainstream education. By integrating digital and physical resources, this research aims to develop hybrid learning spaces that promote inclusivity, engagement, and success for neurodivergent young people.

About the Programme

This funding stream builds on BERA’s ongoing commitment to fostering greater understanding and support for all learners. By supporting research across key thematic areas—including life skills, employability, and inclusive classroom practices—these projects will contribute valuable insights and evidence to inform education policy and practice.

The outcomes of these projects will be disseminated through BERA’s website, publications, and events to ensure the research findings reach educators, policymakers, and stakeholders who can enact meaningful change.

You can find out more about the Kusuma Trust here