HSE Background

Human Scale Education was set up in 1985 with the aim of promoting small, human scale learning communities within the state maintained and independent sectors of education. Human scale learning environments can foster the positive relationships that enable teachers to know their students well and make possible a more holistic approach to learning that engages the, whole person.

The founding of Human Scale Education was inspired by E.F. Schumacher's book Small is Beautiful which advocates small scale working units as a means to personal fulfilment , environmental sustainability and productivity. As Schumacher placed people at the heart of economics so Human Scale Education places children and young people at the centre of education.

Since its foundation HSE has endeavoured to support small schools under threat of closure and has sought public funding for small alternative schools outside the state sector. More recently, through its secondary schools project it has worked towards a wider adoption of the principle of restructuring large schools into small learning communities or "SWAS" (Schools Within A School).

Human Scale Education remains committed to the idea that for many young people a human scale learning environment can make the difference between success and failure. It is also committed to the belief that a main purpose of education is to enable young people to understand their role in creating a fairer and environmentally sustainable world.