Building resilience, well-being and performance through Inclusive Talent Development

Case Study Empowering Excellence

In 2018, a Welsh secondary school facing serious challenges partnered with Oxford Psychometrics to launch a pioneering staff development programme. The focus was simple but powerful: build confidence, nurture resilience, and strengthen teamwork.

The results speak for themselves—staff absence dropped by almost 40%, student performance rose year on year, and the school was removed from the list of those “in need of significant improvement.” Even through the pandemic, staff felt supported, students stayed engaged, and the whole school community grew stronger.

This project shows the transformational power of investing in people—when staff thrive, students succeed.

Case Study : Unlocking Potential in Education

'Investing in teachers is a no brainer!'

A secondary school once under threat of closure went on to achieve record exam results after investing in its staff in a new and innovative way. By introducing a talent development programme, supported by business psychology expertise, the school created a culture where teachers could thrive.

This fresh approach not only boosted academic performance but also reduced teacher absenteeism and built a healthier, more resilient environment for both staff and students.

The case highlights how targeted investment in people, coupled with strong leadership, can transform outcomes — proving that when teachers flourish, so do their students.

"“When I first became chair of governors at a secondary school of around 500 pupils, the situation was extremely challenging: the school had been without a headteacher for six months, staff were in open conflict with the governing body, an inspection was looming, and the local authority had already scheduled the school for closure.

Dr. Dissanayake’s strong academic background and proven experience with schools and government made her the ideal fit. As someone with international experience and an ‘outsider’s’ perspective, she resonated with our determination to do things differently. From the start, she became a dedicated ally who understood and supported our mission.

The impact of her work has been profound:

1. Staff resilience has grown significantly, with individuals better equipped to adapt and meet challenges.

2. Optimism is now tangible throughout the school.

3. A shared sense of purpose and pride among staff directly benefits the pupils.

4. Teacher absence dropped by nearly half in 12 months, saving the school substantial costs.

5. Leadership is now firmly focused on unlocking pupil potential, with staff empowered to put their own concerns into context and develop strategies for the future.

We are deeply grateful for her inspirational contribution, which has transformed both staff culture and student outcomes.”

David Lloyd,

Chair of Governors,

Ysgol Dewi Sant,

St. Davids

Case Study - International School in crisis

" Dr. Dissanayake (Oxford Psychometrics) joined ABS at a difficult time, in the midst of the economic crisis. During the 2 years that she has partnered us the school enrolment has increased by 5%, in comparison with an average of 13% reduction in competitor schools, we have had the best academic results in the school’s history, have run substantial budget surpluses, staff morale has improved and all staff have successfully participated in the new professional development system."

Edmund Maher

Director of DYP International school - formerly known as Antwerp British School (ABS)