WMS is pleased to share the impact of the Reflect behaviour intervention programme for secondary school students, delivered at Clapton Girls’ Academy in 2024-2025, thanks to generous funding by Linklaters.
The results speak for themselves:
- Reduced classroom disruption – 94% of student participants showed improved behaviour scores three months after training, with staff reporting a noticeable decrease of conflicts involving them.
- Greater readiness to learn – staff observed participating students becoming more settled, reflective and focused on learning.
- Improved mental health and emotional regulation – participants reported feeling calmer, more in control of their emotions, and better able to manage stress. Many shared that the programme helped improve their mental health by giving them space to talk, reflect, and feel heard.
About Reflect
Developed by WMS, Reflect is a 6-week emotional regulation and conflict resolution training course, designed specifically for secondary school students who struggle to manage their reactions in conflict situations. The programme is fast-paced and entirely games-based, with over 40 flexible activities to help young people reflect on their emotions, explore conflict behaviours, and build essential life skills. It has been delivered in schools and Pupil Referral Units across London since 2012. What makes Reflect different is the atmosphere we create: a safe, confidential, non-judgmental space where no teachers are present and students are free to speak openly. Facilitators focus on building trust, encouraging participation, and helping young people connect with themselves and others. In 2024, WMS received the Innovation Award at the National Mediation Awards, in recognition of our impactful programmes like Reflect.
At Clapton Girls’ Academy, we worked with 20 students identified by the school as needing behavioural support. Of these, 45% had previously received sanctions and 35% had been suspended. The group represented a wide range of backgrounds – 80% were from ethnic minority groups and 75% were eligible for Pupil Premium funding. Seventeen students completed the training between December 2024 and February 2025. In March, they attended a celebration event at Linklaters, where they toured the offices, heard inspiring testimonies from employees, and took part in a WMS-led workshop on workplace conflict. The programme was delivered by Reflect’s developer, Louise Shuttleworth, alongside Laura Tweedy – a professional mediator and barrister at Gatehouse Chambers. Each student also received a resource pack with tools to support them beyond the sessions.
Pictured left to right: WMS programme developer Louise Shuttleworth, WMS Service Manager Jenny Reid, Clapton Girls’ Academy Deputy Headteacher Andreanna Bangura, WMS trainer and mediator Laura Tweedy, Linklaters Corporate Responsibility Senior Advisor Jonathan Tait, WMS Development Manager Lisa Owen.
A clear impact on behaviour and emotional regulation
Feedback from the school shows that the intervention has had a profound effect on the students. According to Clapton Girls’ Academy Deputy Headteacher Andreanna Bangura, there has been a noticeable decrease in conflict incidents among students who participated in the programme. Ms Bangura rated students’ behaviour before and after the training – and found that 94% improved their scores. Three months after completing Reflect:
• 10 out of 17 students were rated as only minimally or slightly challenging.
• She observed improvements in students’ emotional regulation, greater willingness to listen before responding, and increased focus on learning.
Some examples include:
• A student who had “significantly reduced conflict with peers,” something “noticed by many staff members.”
• Another student who was described as “more settled and focused on learning” and “no longer involved in peer or staff conflict.”
• Several students whose “emotional regulation has improved” and who now “take time to listen more before responding”.
“All students benefitted from the programme and were able to take away key skills to avoid and address conflict. The skills and strategies that they learned are life skills that will always be useful in any setting: home, school and place of work.” – Andreanna Bangura, Deputy Headteacher, Clapton Girls’ Academy
Students finding their voice
Just as importantly, the young people themselves reported major changes in how they feel and behave. 94% of respondents now say they can name three ways to calm down when stressed or angry. Here is what they had to say:
“If you’re struggling or feel you haven’t had anyone to talk to, this workshop is amazing because it makes you feel heard and seen and able to let out your feelings without exploding on someone else. It gives you a voice and a better way to deal with all your problems and bottled emotions.”
“My mental health has really become better because of the amazing [facilitators]. I found myself being open about my feelings and emotions.”
“I learned how to deal with our emotions and not go straight to anger.”
Case studies: Reflect in action (all names have been changed)
Bella’s story. A staff member shared that Bella had recently apologised to a teacher – something she had never done before. They felt it was a clear sign that the intervention was working, as she had always struggled to take responsibility for her actions.
Aisha’s story. After one session, Aisha stayed behind to talk to the facilitators about a conflict she was having with a classmate. With their help, she created an I-statement to express her feelings. She later shared that when she used it, the issue was resolved, and that it was the first time she had dealt with a problem like this in a positive way.
Leila’s story. Leila shared that she’d been using the tools from the sessions at home to understand why she was feeling angry and help manage her emotions. She was surprised by how well it worked and how much calmer she felt.
Looking ahead
Reflect at Clapton Girls’ Academy has been a clear success – both in measurable outcomes and in students’ stories. More importantly, it has shown once again that this behaviour intervention works. We believe Reflect should be accessible to many more young people, and we are excited to continue expanding its reach. Building on the outcomes at Clapton, we hope to build new partnerships with schools and funders who share our vision of a future where every young person can thrive.
Download the full impact report here.
Interested in commissioning or supporting Reflect? Get in touch with us today, or consider making a donation to help us continue delivering the programme.
© Wandsworth Mediation Service 2025. All content, including data, quotes and case studies in this report are the intellectual property of WMS and may not be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission. The impact data presented is based on anonymised feedback and evaluations gathered during the Reflect programme at Clapton Girls’ Academy (2024–2025). Please contact us if you wish to reference or share this material.
