Putting stories at the heart of learning allows us to create a book-led curriculums that fosters empathy, teaches wellbeing skills, develops understanding of emotions and inspires a love of reading.
This evidence-based approach delivers remarkable impact for schools.
Hollingwood Primary School’s journey to transforming their PSHE curriculum and sparking a renewed interest in books using The Story Project.
“The impact on behaviour has been incredible. Children are not only more aware of their emotions but are actively using strategies to manage them“
“The stories have sparked a new level of engagement with books – we see children discussing them long after the lessons have ended”
“The lessons are well structured and easy to follow…Having everything planned our and resources has made a big difference to our team“
Our research-backed, evidence based approach is tested by independent external evaluation to ensure continued high-quality provision. Using the power of stories to teach PSHE and wellbeing, ImpactEd (2026) found that our approach is having a measurable impact on children and teachers from before and after implementing the programme.
High Crag Primary School’s story of how they helped their most vulnerable children find their voices.
“The programme has had a profound impact not only on academic outcomes but also on wellbeing, confidence and emotional readiness to learn.”
“The programme has helped our pupils develop the language, confidence and empathy they need to understand themselves and others.”
“Students who once struggled to engage with reading and writing are now excited to tell their own stories. It has given our pupils a voice.”
Externally validated qualitative impact from our schools.
“Pupils demonstrated an improvement in their ability to manage their emotions and wellbeing. Stories helped pupils… foster practical coping strategies”
“We know how rich stories can be in allowing children to explore their own lived experience as well as providing a window into the lives of others. The stories are well chosen and reflect both contemporary and more traditional literature”
“The structured, story-based approach made sensitive topics more approachable, allowing teachers to navigate difficult discussions more effectively”
What started as an idea in the classroom, led by Olivia Richards, has grown from its humble beginnings to an award-winning organisation supporting 1000s of children and staff in schools.
The award recognises how our programme is improving education outcomes, original and innovative and easy to use. Most importantly, the award shows how valuable stories are in making a positive impact on children’s wellbeing. From first aid to emotions, online safety to empathy, our book-led programme is bringing PSHE and wellbeing education to life, and we couldn’t be prouder.
“The pupils actively engage in discussions about the stories. They openly talk about key issues affecting the characters in the books and relate their to their own experiences” Assistant Headteacher
