Student wellbeing prioritised in groundbreaking pilot project

A wellbeing project designed to support secondary school students tackle a range of issues has been declared a success.

Five schools within The Sigma Trust took part in the pilot scheme run by the 9D Breathwork for Schools programme to transform student emotional regulation and attendance.

The participating schools - Thomas Lord Audley School, Paxman Academy, The Stanway School, Philip Morant School and College and Harwich and Dovercourt High School - took part in the trial to evaluate how immersive breathwork technology can support students facing anxiety as well as improving attendance and easing exam stress.

The pilot has already yielded impressive results including one school’s attendance which was 2.3% above the year-group average, while SEND pupils showed a remarkable 8.5% increase compared to their peers.

Sandra Hormann, Sigma Trust Attendance and Behaviour Lead, said the programme had also been used to support staff wellbeing as well.

She said: “The 9D Breathwork pilot has provided our schools with a powerful, evidence-based tool to support our most vulnerable learners.

“We have seen first-hand how these structured sessions can help students regulate their nervous systems and return to the classroom ready to learn.

“One student with severe anxiety now has 100% attendance after a very difficult start to the year, which is a testament to the programme's impact."

9D Breathwork is a revolutionary multi-sensory experience that combines conscious breathing with nine distinct layers of audio technology.

The 9D programme is specifically designed for the school environment, offering support with reducing anxiety, building confidence, energy and mental clarity and also helping students navigate high-pressure situations like exams.

This ‘prevention over cure’ approach aligns with the Trust’s commitment to building long-term emotional resilience in its pupils.

Following the success of this pilot, The Sigma Trust is exploring how to further integrate 9D Breathwork into its pastoral and inclusion provisions to support a wider cohort of students.

For more information on the technology behind the programme, visit www.9dbreathwork.com.