How safe do you feel in your school? Do you feel that you belong, that you are important and cared about? Research has shown that "good" schools have less pupils engaging in substance abuse, bad behaviour, violence and pregnancy. What makes a school comfortable? What factors are important in establishing a positive environment? Is it class size? School size? Tough discipline policies? Better teachers? Read on. The answers may surprise you!

Did you know:

• The smaller the school size, the more pupils feel they belong.
• The teachers who are best at fostering a sense of belonging with their pupils are the ones who are the most consistent and empathetic.
• In schools with strong discipline and zero tolerance policies, the majority of pupils feel less safe.
• The more friends you have, the more you feel you belong at your school.
• Classroom size can affect your academic performance – e.g. the smaller the better.
• Only 45% of secondary school students feel their teachers care about them.
• 66% of teens talk to their parents at least once a month about their schoolwork.