Schools invited to express interest in funded Body Happy research partnership
We’re pleased to share that The Body Happy Organisation is partnering with the University of Lincoln on a funded PhD exploring the impact of whole-school approaches to body image and body respect.
We are now inviting schools to express interest in taking part in this research partnership.
This is an opportunity to engage with the full Body Happy Schools Programme, fully funded as part of the research, while contributing to national evidence-building around prevention and inclusive wellbeing practice in education.
This work sits at the heart of our mission to support schools to build classroom cultures where children and young people can celebrate, respect and accept ALL bodies – especially their own.
What participation involves
Schools selected to take part will receive access to the full programme, including:
Staff CPD to build consistent, body-respectful practice across teaching and pastoral teams
The peer advocacy strand — supporting students to take on leadership roles in shaping inclusive school cultures
Student workshops
Curriculum resources and schemes of work
Parent/caregiver engagement
Evaluation and reflection to support school development and evidence for inspection and strategic planning
Some elements are delivered directly by Body Happy facilitators, while others are implemented by schools using our curriculum resources with guidance and support.
Participation also includes contributing to research activities such as surveys or interviews. These processes will follow university ethical approval and safeguarding expectations. Delivery is scheduled to begin in September 2026, but the school selection process begins now.
Why this matters
Our founding mission - and the work we continue to build - is rooted in the belief that young people don’t just need lessons. They need environments where body respect is lived, modelled and reinforced.
That insight has shaped the Body Happy Schools Programme, which places student leadership at its core through peer advocacy and takes a whole-school approach spanning staff, curriculum, and families.
This research partnership will help deepen understanding of:
How culture-building approaches influence wellbeing and inclusion
The role of student leadership in shaping school environments
How preventative work can be embedded sustainably within education settings
By participating, schools contribute to strengthening the evidence base for this work nationally while benefiting from funded programme access and support.
Registering interest
Completing the Expression of Interest form does not commit a school to taking part. It allows us to understand context and capacity before sharing full details with suitable settings.
If your school is interested in learning more, you can register here:
We encourage schools to share this opportunity across leadership, wellbeing, PSHE, and inclusion networks so that it reaches settings who may benefit.
