Supporting children returning to school after a brain tumour
Fast facts
- Title: Supporting survivors of childhood brain tumours in school: First steps in the development of a co-designed programme to help survivors to succeed in school
- Lead researcher: Dr Sarita Depani
- Where: Great Ormond Street Hospital
- When: Sep 2025 – Feb 2027
- Cost: We will fund £99,441 over 18 months
- Research type: CNS tumours, Paediatric, Quality of Life
- Award type: Quality of Life
Children and young people with brain tumours often face long-term challenges that significantly impact their education. These challenges can be cognitive, emotional, and physical. As a result, it can be harder for them to keep up with schoolwork. They may also struggle to participate in classroom activities and form social connections with peers.
Over time, these difficulties can lead to lower academic achievement. In addition, they may contribute to mental health issues, which further affect a child’s ability to learn and enjoy their school experience.
However, despite these challenges, support systems vary widely across the UK. And little research has been done to identify the best ways to help these children return to and thrive in school.
That’s why this project, led by Dr Sarita Depani at Great Ormond Street Hospital, is so important. It will help create practical, evidence-based support so that every child can reach their full potential at school.
What is it?
This research aims to evaluate existing support systems to identify what is currently working in schools around the country, what is missing, and areas for improvement for children returning to school after a brain tumour. The team will gather information from surveys, interviews, and workshops with a range of different people. These include children, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals who can provide key insights into what is currently working in schools around the country, and what needs to change. The findings will guide the development of a national, evidence-based intervention designed to offer consistent, long-term support for children with a brain tumour diagnosis.
Why it’s important
Research focused on improving the quality of life for those affected by brain tumours is vital. Support shouldn’t end with diagnosis and treatment – every child should have access to the resources and support they need to successfully return to school and rebuild their daily life.
Research is just one other way your regular gift can make a difference
Research is the only way we will discover kinder, more effective treatments and, ultimately, stamp out brain tumours – for good! However, brain tumours are complex and research in to them takes a great deal of time and money.
Across the UK, over 100,000 families are facing the overwhelming diagnosis of a brain tumour and it is only through the generosity of people like you can we continue to help them.
But, by setting up a regular gift – as little as £2 per month – you can ensure that families no longer face this destructive disease.
Dr Sarita Depani
Dr Sarita Depani is a consultant paediatric oncologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital.