In our latest Leadership Focus feature, Rona Tutt OBE, former NAHT president and chair of the National Forum for Neuroscience and Special Education (NFNSE), explores how schools can support every kind of mind.

Classrooms are inherently neurodiverse, yet the range of learner needs is often misunderstood. Experts, including Francesca Happé, professor of cognitive neuroscience at King’s College London and Courtenay Norbury, professor of developmental language and communication disorders at University College London, explain how recognising neurodiversity – and hidden barriers such as language difficulties – can transform learning outcomes and well-being.

The feature also highlights practical strategies for schools, from whole-school approaches such as the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) project to training neurodiversity champions. These initiatives equip staff to identify and support neurodivergent pupils, creating inclusive environments where all learners can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Additional resources from the NFNSE translate cutting-edge research into classroom-ready guidance on conditions such as developmental language disorder, trauma, anxiety and more.

We’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences, thoughts or strategies for supporting neurodiverse learners in your school.