Routine failures can harm grades

A lack of routine harms school grades and well-being across the North-West, warns a charity.

Its report says young people growing up in the region without structure, such as regular bedtimes and set meal times, are more likely to struggle at school and face lower self-confidence.

The Prince’s Trust Youth Index reveals how more than one in 10 young people in the North-West felt their days “lacked structure and direction” while growing up.

The research suggests that those with lower school grades are significantly more likely to feel this way.

It shows that young people who claim to have “lacked structure and direction” are less content and confident than their peers.

The research shows how more than one in three young people “always” or “often” feel down or depressed, while more than half feel stressed all or most of the time.

Based on interviews with 2,136 16-to-25-year-olds, it reveals that those with fewer than five A*-C grade GCSEs are significantly more likely to feel this way.

Jackie Tyler, regional director of The Prince’s Trust in the North-West, said: “We know from our work with young people in the North-West that the absence of structure and routine in a young life can have a devastating impact.

“Without the right support, directionless teenagers can become lost young adults — unconfident, under-qualified and unemployed.

“Our programmes, which include in-school clubs, give the hardest-to-reach young people intense, structured support — helping to prevent potential drop-outs and exclusions.

“Similarly, our Fairbridge programme builds self-esteem through one-to-one support outside the classroom.”

More than one in five young people believe they did not receive the support they needed at school. More than a quarter felt like they did not “belong” at school.

Those with poorer grades are more likely to feel this way.