OSHL is the name given to voluntary activities that pupils take part in outside normal lessons. It is also referred to as study support.

The Big Lottery Fund's OSHL programme provided funding for three to five years to enable schools and other organisations to set up activities across the UK. This report is aimed at OSHL deliverers or grant holders, policy makers and future partners in the provision of OSHL. It is not only a guide to OSHL, but also a record that celebrates the programme’s success.

Part One describes the features of OSHL and what makes it special. It looks at how it can support young learners throughout their school life and shows that it has become part of a raft of informal interventions supporting learners throughout their lives. It also outlines strategies for sustaining OSHL.

Part Two looks at the range of activities and their educational benefits, exploring how these activities or their benefits can be sustained in the longer term.

Part Three provides guidance and brief checklists to help schools; LEAs and partners plan for the future of OSHL.

This report focuses on OSHL in England, but many of the practices and issues relate to the other parts of the UK.

Visit the Big Lottery Fund website