The Story Project

Research and Methods

Our approach is based on years of research, a passionate belief in the power of stories and a wealth of experience in education.

Starting in 2016 and continuing to her current PhD, founder and CEO Olivia’s research underpins everything we do at The Story Project.

An illustration of 4 school children sitting at desks. Two are reading, one is discussing the story and the other has his hand in the air.

Our Research

  • Churchill Fellowship Logo
    Churchill Fellowship Report

    Taking inspiration from a trip to North America, Olivia brought her research back to the UK to set up the first iteration of The Story Project.

  • Farmington Report

    Olivia was awarded a Farmington Scholarship from the University of Oxford to look at the impact of The Story Project

  • ImpactEd logo
    Impact Ed Report

    Working closely with teachers and children, ImpactEd have externally evaluated the programme and found impact across schools.

The S.T.O.R.Y. Acronym

The STORY acronym is a central thread that provides consistency and fluency across our curriculum. Evidence-based, each element ensures lessons are impactful and engaging.

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Settle – Practical regulation strategies to get ready for the lesson

Training – Identify and practice emotional vocabulary, linked to the story

Objective – A wellbeing objective to provide focus during the book

Read – Enjoy the story together, using guided reading questions to discuss key themes

You – Activities to reflect the story back on children’s own opinions and experiences

An illustration of the word 'STORY' with each letter including a child reading. For example, on the curve of the 'S' a girl is laid reading a book.

Theory of Change

Designed by teachers, and rooted in the latest research, our approach puts stories at the heart learning, inspiring the next generation to make healthier choices now and into adulthood.

Underpinned by our Theory of Change, this roadmap details our aims, outputs and impact.

Illustration of two young girls laid on their tummies reading a book together

Our Programmes

  • Nursery

    An introducing to a key concepts in emotional awareness using much-loved children’s stories

  • Primary

    A book-led whole school curriculum that meets all statutory PSHE objectives

  • Secondary

    Unpack relationships, mental health and emotions using thought-provoking texts

  • Other Settings

    flexible programme to suit the needs of your individual setting and children

Join our growing community of schools who are doing PSHE differently

“Staff love the lessons…the carefully selected texts inspire children to learn about important topics such as mental health, finance and friendships. […] The children have improved their literacy and vocabulary skills in naming and describing emotions” Headteacher

A teacher reads alongside a Year 6 student. They are holding the book together.

Our Partners

We’re grateful to the following organisations for their funding and support. With their help, we are building a community to inspire lifelong wellbeing.

  • Farmington Institute Logo
  • Churchill Fellowship Logo
  • Sex Education Forum logo
  • ImpactEd logo
  • PiXL logo
  • Fair Education Alliance logo