CATAPULTS is a research study exploring whether two interactive digital games could help support children who experience difficulties with focus and concentration at school, including children with ADHD. The study aims to find out whether these games could be a practical and useful resource for schools.

CATAPULTS is led by researchers at the University of Nottingham and King’s College London, and is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Who can take part?

• Mainstream state primary and secondary schools are eligible to take part.
• Schools would identify children in years 5 to 8 who score above a set threshold on a teacher-rated ADHD scale (ADHD-RS-5). Children do not need a clinical ADHD diagnosis to participate.

What does participation involve?

• The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) identifies eligible children, shares information with families, and seeks consent. These children are then randomly assigned to one of two digital games.
• A researcher visits the school to assess each child’s learning level and classroom behaviour.
• A Teaching Assistant supervises each child playing their game twice a week for five weeks.
• The researcher then returns to reassess the children.

What training is included?

• SENCOs attend an ADHD seminar (in person, live online, or via an interactive online module).
• Interested schools complete a short scoping survey, supported by brief online training.
• SENCOs and Teaching Assistants complete NIHR Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training (CPD-accredited).
• The research team provides ongoing support and training in using the games.

Additional support and funding

• NIHR funding covers staff time, and each school receives an honorarium payment to acknowledge their valuable contribution to the study.
• All required digital equipment (laptops and monitors) is provided.

Find out more

If you are interested in taking part or would like more information, please email the Catapults team.

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We will then arrange an online meeting with you to tell you more and answer your questions.