Engaging Minds Project Tackles Student Disengagement
A new international initiative provides teachers with resources to address rising rates of school avoidance.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Learnovate Centre has released new findings from the Engaging Minds project, which identifies key drivers of student disengagement. The effort includes a free handbook and practical tools for educators to implement in their classrooms.
Why it matters
Student disengagement is increasingly linked to issues such as anxiety, peer pressure, and technology usage. Addressing these factors is vital for schools working to mitigate the trend of school avoidance that has risen since the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2025, Ireland reported an early school leaving rate of 3.6 percent, significantly lower than the 9.1 percent average observed across the European Union.
The players
Learnovate Centre
This research institution focuses on learning innovation and led the development of the Engaging Minds project.
St Joseph's Secondary School
Located in Rush, Co. Dublin, this educational institution served as a participant in the research project.
The details
Schools participating in the project, such as St Joseph's Secondary School in Rush, Co. Dublin, have implemented targeted strategies including peer mentoring and personalized learning plans. Teachers are also using new screen-use policies and support team meetings to identify and coordinate responses to student concerns.
Timeline
In 2025, Ireland recorded an early school leaving rate of 3.6 percent.
A digital engagement toolkit is scheduled for pilot programs starting in early 2027.
Culture Shift
The Engaging Minds project represents a significant shift toward addressing the post-pandemic rise in school avoidance through structured, data-driven support strategies. This initiative positions schools to better manage the intersection of academic pressure and student mental health.
Educators can immediately utilize the free handbook and resources to develop personalized learning plans for struggling students. These tools offer a roadmap for implementing peer mentoring and screen-use policies to better manage classroom environments.
The takeaway
Schools that implement consistent student support teams can better identify early warning signs of disengagement. Teachers should prioritize creating structured environments that balance technology use with personalized academic goals to support student success.
What happens next
The project will launch a pilot program for a new digital engagement toolkit in multiple schools across Europe starting in early 2027.
Further reading
For more on educational initiatives, visit the Secondary Education section.
More information
Access the Engaging Minds project handbook and resources to review the initiative's full findings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Advertiser Newspaper Group.
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