More than half of teachers in the West Midlands have worked at schools where at least one pupil was homeless in the past 12 months, according to new research by the charity Shelter. Out of 7,127 surveyed state school teachers in the region, nearly 31% reported directly teaching or engaging with homeless children.
Additionally, over 20% of teachers in areas including Birmingham and the Black Country said they were aware of at least one homeless child at their school whom they did not personally teach. This confirms the widening impact of homelessness on education in the region.
Shelter’s chief executive, Sarah Elliott, described the situation as a housing emergency infiltrating classrooms and denying children the basic right to a stable home. “Children shouldn’t have to balance their studies with the trauma of homelessness,” she said. “Teachers witness firsthand the devastating effects of temporary accommodation on pupils’ wellbeing and academic performance.”
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The findings revealed even higher rates in London, where 45% of teachers reported working directly with homeless pupils and 28% knew of others at their schools facing homelessness. The North West and South West regions also saw over a third of teachers encountering homeless children.
Ms. Elliott added that the lack of secure housing leaves children isolated and exhausted, often commuting long distances or living in cramped, unsuitable conditions that hinder their ability to study and rest.
As of 2025, Shelter estimates over 175,000 children across England are living in temporary accommodation, lacking permanent homes. One affected family, mother Ayeasha and her 14-year-old son, shared how long-distance relocation disrupted her son’s schooling and daily life.
Further research by Shelter in conjunction with the teachers’ union NASUWT, surveying 263 educators, found that 76% observed significant academic underperformance among homeless pupils. Likewise, 75% noted a substantial impact on mental health, 92% said pupils were frequently tired at school, and 83% reported increased absenteeism linked to homelessness.
NASUWT chief Matt Wrack warned that unstable housing threatens children’s long-term prospects. “Homelessness takes a severe physical and emotional toll, harming education and learning opportunities,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) highlighted the escalating pressures on schools, many of which now run food banks and provide housing support as public services falter.
Shelter is calling on the government to accelerate the construction of social rent properties by setting a national target, aiming to address the root causes of homelessness.
A Ministry of Housing spokesperson said: “No child should try to learn without a safe, settled home. We have enhanced school support for homeless pupils and our comprehensive homelessness strategy, supported by record funding, seeks to end homelessness for good.”
Regional data on teachers’ awareness of homelessness among pupils over the last year includes:
- London: 73% aware overall; 45% taught or interacted directly; 28% knew of others
- South West: 56% aware overall; 35% taught or interacted directly; 21% knew of others
- North West: 53% aware overall; 35% taught or interacted directly; 19% knew of others
- Midlands: 53% aware overall; 31% taught or interacted directly; 22% knew of others
- South East: 48% aware overall; 30% taught or interacted directly; 18% knew of others
- East of England: 46% aware overall; 25% taught or interacted directly; 21% knew of others
- Yorkshire and the North East: 41% aware overall; 25% taught or interacted directly; 16% knew of others
This data underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to support homeless children and safeguard their education across England.