On the 6th of March 2025, The European Federation of Psychology Teachers’ Associations (EFPTA) organised a webinar with the title “What is the value of teaching psychology in schools?” Our aim was to bring to our members, and to our participants outwith EFPTA, an engaging and thought-provoking online event, and start a meaningful dialogue about the role of psychology in education across Europe and beyond. There were over 100 participants, from 26 countries, not just in Europe but around the world demonstrating the relevance of the topic.
Psychology is more than a subject—it’s a lens through which students can understand themselves, others, and the world around them. With the increasing focus on cognition, relationships, mental health, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking in education, teaching psychology at school level has never been more relevant. But what is its true value? What role does psychology play in shaping future citizens, professionals, and thinkers?
We invited four international speakers with different professional backgrounds and experiences to discuss those questions. The event kicked off with an introduction to EFPTA and its mission to support and promote psychology education across Europe, given by the past president of EFPTA and Slovak representative Lenka Sokolová. Harriet Ennis, the representative of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and recently awarded BPS psychology teacher of the year, presented a summary of key differences in the way psychology is taught in European countries.
Following that, a panel of esteemed speakers shared insights from their diverse perspectives within education and psychology. The panel discussion provided a rich scope of experiences and ideas, helping us better understand the significance of teaching psychology in today’s schools. A strong theme that emerged was the importance of psychology education as an exploration of what it is to be human, and how can we make the most out of being human?
Kristof Dewaele (Executive Director, School Community Roeselare, Belgium) brought deep insights into school leadership and educational policy in Belgium, offering a practical viewpoint on integrating psychology in school curricula. He emphasized that teaching psychology is not an equivalent of providing psychological services (like counselling or psychotherapy) in schools.
Nicky Hayes (Author, educator, and past President of the British Psychological Society, UK) shared her expertise on how psychology empowers students and contributes to broader educational goals. She also highlighted why we should teach psychology in schools, including research and academic writing skills, social and emotional competences, and overall knowledge of human behaviour.
Deneal Smith (Headmaster, Bootham School, York, England) offered valuable insights from the perspective of school management and pedagogy, reflecting on how psychology aligns with the ethos and development of schools. He framed psychology as a well-established science, firmly positioned alongside other science-oriented school subjects, a viewpoint that was well-received. Additionally, Deneal highlighted the importance of effectively communicating the value of psychological knowledge to parents.
Iva Stuchlíková (Professor at the University of Southern Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czechia, and President-Elect of the European Society for Psychology Learning and Teaching) discussed international approaches and the importance of psychology in fostering critical, reflective learning. Psychology in secondary school curricula plays multiple roles and these are crucial in the rapidly changing society where positive mental health, resilience and well-being of the young generation is a priority.
Both the speakers and the audience identified several barriers to introducing psychology as a subject in secondary school curricula. These barriers include existing educational policies, as well as prevailing stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding psychology as a science or academic discipline. Such biases seem to remain widespread among decision-makers in many countries. However, the panellists emphasised the critical role of psychology teachers as “myth-busters” who can champion the inclusion of psychology in school curricula.
EFPTA is proud to facilitate this enriching discussion, raising key questions about the future of psychology education in schools. We are committed to sharing the insights gathered during this webinar and to continuing this important conversation.
Here are some useful further resources on the topic that may be of interest to you:
We hear from those teaching Psychology at pre-university level… https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/we-hear-those-teaching-psychology-pre-university-level
An Attempt to Explain Why There Are No Psychology Courses in the School Curricula of Nearly All Countries Worldwide. https://www.qeios.com/read/1VACIR
Psychology as a school subject – what are the benefits? https://www.jonathanfirth.co.uk/blog/why-study