About The Difference
The Difference exists to reduce school exclusion, improve attendance, and help schools respond to increasingly complex need through inclusive leadership.
Why we started
Why are the children who need school most often the ones most likely to lose access to it?
Founded by former headteacher Kiran Gill, The Difference was created to tackle the growing challenge of exclusion, absence, and unmet need.
We believe schools can be both ambitious and inclusive. The answer isn't lowering expectations. It's equipping leaders with the expertise, support and evidence needed to keep more children learning.
The challenge
children persistently absent from school
pupils receiving SEND support
suspensions issued each term
of excluded pupils achieve key GCSE benchmarks
What makes us different
We focus on the people who shape school culture, strategy and decision-making.
Our programmes combine research, policy insight and frontline practice.
What we learn from schools helps shape the wider education system.
leaders trained
schools engaged
local authority partners
report increased confidence
Our people
Former school leaders, policy specialists, researchers and practitioners working together to improve outcomes for vulnerable children.
Join schools, trusts, local authorities and system leaders working to reduce lost learning.
Get involved