Lewis Hamilton has revealed the difficulties he faced during his school years, highlighting broader concerns about inclusion and support in UK education. This comes as Mission 44, the charitable foundation he established, released a study revealing that many students still struggle to feel safe and included in schools across the country.
New Research Uncovers Widespread Exclusion in UK Schools
The recent nationwide investigation by Mission 44 examined the state of education and inclusion in the UK, finding worrying trends among vulnerable students. According to the report, nearly 17% of young people feel unsafe or unwelcome in school or college environments. This figure rises significantly for certain groups, with 21% of students from low-income backgrounds, 28% of those with special educational needs, and 30% of disabled students reporting similar feelings of exclusion.
The findings also revealed that 41% of students feel their schools do not listen to their mental health or wellbeing concerns, while more than 43% admitted to missing school because of stress, anxiety, or exhaustion. Parents echoed these worries, with over one-third (34%) believing their children’s individual learning needs are not being addressed, and 28% reporting their children have felt excluded from school activities or learning opportunities.
Significantly, 88% of students expressed a desire for greater action to promote inclusivity within their educational settings. Mission 44 conducted this polling in early 2024 amid rising rates of school suspensions and exclusions in England, using comprehensive surveys representing students and parents nationwide.
Lewis Hamilton Shares Personal School Experience in Context of Inclusion Crisis
Hamilton, who not only founded Mission 44 but is also a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, connected deeply with the report’s findings by opening up about his own school challenges. He explained that he felt unheard and unsupported, which shaped a difficult educational experience.
“I remember the challenges I faced at school,”
Hamilton said.
I didn’t feel like my voice was heard, or that anyone wanted to look into the reasons why I was struggling so much. If they had, then perhaps my experience at school would have been very different.
—Lewis Hamilton, Founder of Mission 44 and F1 Champion
He added that the feeling of not belonging and seeming unimportant still affects students across the UK today, especially those who are most vulnerable.
“Instead, I was made to feel like I didn’t belong and that I didn’t matter. Today young people across the country, especially the most vulnerable students, are saying they feel the same way, and they need something to change.”
—Lewis Hamilton, Founder of Mission 44 and F1 Champion
“We need to listen and do all we can to ensure their experiences lead to the feeling of inclusion.”
—Lewis Hamilton, Founder of Mission 44 and F1 Champion
Call for Targeted Support and Policy Changes from Mission 44
In response to the study’s damaging statistics, Mission 44 has urged government bodies and educators to introduce systemic reforms aimed at supporting at-risk students. Recommendations include establishing a mentorship program for those facing exclusion, instituting an annual survey of student experiences, and allocating targeted funding to build a more inclusive school workforce.
“A mentorship programme for students at risk of exclusion, an annual student experience survey and targeted funding for an inclusive workforce.”
—Mission 44 Statement
Such initiatives aim to foster environments where all students can feel valued and supported, directly addressing the issues that Hamilton and many others have experienced. This calls for immediate attention to ensure education systems do not perpetuate feelings of isolation or neglect.
Broader Context of Growing Educational Concerns in the UK
The report’s release coincides with increasing anxieties over record suspension and exclusion figures in England’s schools, reflecting systemic challenges in nurturing inclusivity. These developments have sparked conversations among parents, policymakers, and educational stakeholders, emphasizing the urgent need for action in classrooms nationwide.
As a high-profile advocate with firsthand experience and extensive reach through Mission 44, Lewis Hamilton’s candid reflections on schooling bring critical focus to the continued struggle for educational equity, underscoring the importance of listening to student voices to drive meaningful change.
