Evaluation of the parental engagement project

INTERVENTION: 30 schools have been involved in this trial, and all schools have a control and intervention group (a 2‐arm cRCT). Schools were randomised to each arm by key stage group, i.e. key stage 3 or key stage 4. The intervention ran from September 2014 to July 2015 where text messages are sent to parents at specific time points and intervals during the school year containing information relating to their child’s attendance, performance and upcoming tests and assignments. Those in the control group did not receive any additional information sent home to parents, it was very much business as usual (communication via letters home, telephone calls etc). All children have been tested at study‐end regardless of what group/arm they have been in. CONDITION: Educational attainment. ; Not Applicable PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Student achievement in English, Maths and Science (Key Stage 3). Assessed in May/June 2015; 2. Student achievement in GCSE English, Maths and Science (Key Stage 4). Assessed in June 2015 SECONDARY OUTCOME: School attendance and parental behaviour and attitudes:; 1. School attendance for each student (from September 2014‐July 2015) will be collected directly from the school. The previous years’ (2013‐2014) attendance will be used as a baseline for this outcome.; 2. Parental behaviour and attitudes: measured via telephone interviews at post‐test (June 2015) that collected background demographic information and data relating to aspects of the home learning environment, parental involvement in their child's education and school, and; aspirations for their child's education and future employment. No baseline data was collected on these parent related outcomes. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Pupils in years 7, 9 and 11 who are willing to participate.