What is SORTS?
SORTS (Self-harm: Oversight, Response, Training & Support) is a pioneering initiative aimed at improving how schools support young people who self-harm. Developed by education and mental health experts, SORTS offers research-based tools, training, and practical resources to empower school staff at every level to respond confidently and compassionately.
Our Mission
We believe schools play a vital role in early intervention and ongoing support for young people experiencing self-harm. The SORTS project works to:
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Provide evidence-informed training to all school staff
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Equip schools with tailored policies and guidance
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Promote whole-school approaches to wellbeing
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Bridge the gap between research and frontline practice
Explore Our Core Resources
Visit our website to access tools and training:
Our training is accessible, flexible, and designed to fit the school calendar, ensuring that every adult in a school community is prepared to support young people at risk.
Our impact
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10,000+ visitors to the SORTS website
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1,300+ downloads of SORTS resources
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Over 1,000 school staff completed the SORTS e-learning module in the first quarter of 2025
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E-learning module users rate the training as ‘good’ to ‘excellent’
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School staff’s understanding of self-harm significantly increased after completing the training
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Included in the Mayor of London’s Healthy Schools recommended resources for schools in London
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Adopted by Barnet Council as part of its self-harm training resources for schools
In the Spotlight
SORTS has been featured in several prominent education and mental health platforms:
Anna Freud Centre: Mentally Healthy Schools
SORTS contributed to a free e-learning module designed to introduce all school staff to supporting students who self-harm.
Teachwire: Practical Resources for Teachers
A guide to SORTS' whole-school approach, including how it helps schools establish clearer protocols for response and safeguarding.
NIHR ARC East of England
An in-depth feature on the research underpinning SORTS, highlighting how it translates clinical insights into practical guidance for schools.
SEND Network UK
Emphasises the value of SORTS for staff working with pupils with additional needs, ensuring inclusivity in emotional and behavioural support.
Who is it for?
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Teachers and TAs
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Pastoral leaders
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SENCOs and Inclusion staff
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Senior leadership teams
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School governors and trustees
What Schools Say
“The SORTS training has changed the way we approach self-harm in our school – it’s more consistent, informed, and above all, compassionate.”
— Headteacher, Secondary School, East of England
Backed by Research
Developed with support from NIHR ARC East of England, SORTS is grounded in rigorous academic research and real-world consultation with schools and young people. It combines clinical expertise, educational insight, and youth voice to ensure it meets the needs of modern school communities.
Join the Movement
Want to implement SORTS in your school or trust?
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Visit our website: sorts4schools.org.uk
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Explore our free training modules
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Reach out for custom support and guidance
Let’s work together to create safer, more supportive environments for all young people.