ESAS Research and Evaluation
There is currently little evidence on the best ways to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in schools. Research being undertaken as part of Equally Safe at School (ESAS) aims to address that gap.
The University of Glasgow is the research partner on ESAS. The research team supported the development of ESAS, involving staff, students and policy stakeholders in its design. During the pilot of ESAS (2019-2020), the team’s research helped identify drivers of school-based GBV and led to refinements in the design of ESAS.
The team has used their research to produce a set of tools which are now used in training and other ESAS activities (see outputs below). They are currently running the National Evaluation of ESAS.
National Evaluation of Equally Safe at School (ESAS)
The research team is undertaking a national evaluation which aims to establish the benefits of ESAS for schools.
Around 35 schools are taking part between 2023 and 2026. To provide the most reliable comparison, schools are randomised to start ESAS immediately or to join a ‘waitlist’ and start ESAS one year later. Six of the ‘immediate start’ schools are ‘case-study’ schools, providing more detailed information.
The evaluation assesses whether the ESAS intervention is effective in reducing sexual harassment within secondary schools alongside other potential benefits. It also looks at whether the ESAS intervention represents value for money, and whether it is delivered well. Evidence from the evaluation will help policymakers decide how to address GBV in schools.
The Evaluation is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research [grant 154376].
Here is a blog from the Young People’s Advisory Group for the Equally Safe at School Evaluation (2023-2026) looking at school culture and gender-based violence.
