A preliminary independent evaluation of the Factory International Schools Programme

Background: Engaging in arts and creative activities has been linked to enhanced wellbeing among young people. Aims: This study evaluated the impact of a targeted, school-based arts and creativity intervention, the Factory International Schools Programme (FISP), on young people's wellbeing. Sample: Participants in the FISP (N = 107, 66.36% female, aged 12-14 years i.e. year 8 and year 9 in UK school years) and a comparison group drawn from the #BeeWell longitudinal study (N = 8665; 45.8% female, average age = 13.6 years). Methods: Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to derive and match intervention and control participants (analytic sample n = 107 FISP; n = 107 control), and Difference-in-Differences estimation assessed changes in the following outcomes: coping with stress, perceived stress, life satisfaction, mental wellbeing, autonomy, self-esteem, emotion regulation and school belonging. Sensitivity analyses considered the robustness of intervention effects under different PSM approaches and via permutation analyses. Results: The FISP significantly improved participants’ ability to cope with stress (d = 0.53). Improvements in life satisfaction were also observed (d = 0.3), but this effect was sensitive to the PSM approach used. No effects were found for other outcomes. Conclusion: FISP is a promising intervention that strengthens evidence for the wellbeing benefits of engaging in arts and creative activities.