Frequently asked questions

Under our 2025 theme, 'What's Your Spark?', students aged 5-18 will explore diverse perspectives & passions, immerse themselves in powerful stories, and discover what makes them—and others—shine.

The skill to understand another and the ability to create space for someone to reveal their authentic self whilst reserving judgement.

Empathy Week is designed to be flexible! Our assemblies and video resources are designed to fit within short time slots, including pastoral, tutor and assembly time. In terms of our online and in-person events, you will be able to sign onto these from January, so that they can be integrated into your schedule well in advance of March.

How much time you spend taking part in Empathy Week 2025 is completely up to you as a school. Some hold just one assembly, whilst others use all the resources we have to offer. Just remember that to truly develop the skill of empathy in students, we have to increase the diversity and amount of opportunities for them to experience other people’s worlds! The more of Empathy Week that you take part in, the bigger the impact on your students' emotional intelligence, confidence, and wellbeing you will have.

Empathy is a vital skill to learn. It is the foundation of great relationships and our ability to connect and communicate. However we all need opportunities to be able to develop and practice empathy - that is what we provide. Students will engage in age-differentiated webinars, assemblies, and events that give them the chance to learn from inspiring speakers with different backgrounds and perspectives. Watch our 2024 highlights for a taster of what to expect this coming year.

Empathy is the skill that underpins all other crucial life skills - including leadership, creativity, problem solving, communication and resilience. It can be practiced, taught and developed over time. Our 2022 pilot study with Cambridge University showed that after taking part in Empathy Week: • Students were more responsive to the feelings of others and displayed increased emotional empathy. • Students demonstrated signs of increased self-compassion. • Students displayed a greater desire to connect with others. Here’s some of the research we refer to and think you’ll find fascinating too: • Empathy reduces cyberbullying • Empathy increases creativity • Empathy is essential for better workplace leadership • Empathy (and compassion) plays a vital role in conflict resolution

No! All schools (state and independent) will have access to events, assemblies, and resources free of charge! You just need to ensure that your school is registered (click here, or navigate to the 'Register' tab at the top of the page).

Yes we do! Do watch this 4-minute video, to hear from teachers and students across the UK on how they found Empathy Week, how they use it and what they love about the programme.

Please click here and scroll down to our Schools Information Pack, which you can download and share with your team!