School is a big part of your life. It’s where you learn, make friends, find out who you are, and start imagining who you want to be. But when you have epilepsy, school can feel more complicated. You might worry about seizures, tiredness, people not understanding what you’re going through, or how teachers and classmates will react.
Feeling like you belong at school - like you’re accepted, understood and supported - can make all the difference. Belonging isn’t just a “nice extra.” It helps you feel safer, more confident, and more connected. It also helps you learn better.
This blog is here to help you understand belonging, and to guide the adults in your life - parents, carers and educators - in making school a place where you can thrive.
What “belonging” actually means
Belonging is when you feel:
- Welcome
- Accepted
- Respected
- Included
- Safe to be yourself
Researchers say that belonging at school is linked to better motivation, better mental health, and feeling more confident socially. When school feels like a place where you fit, everything else becomes easier.
Why belonging can be harder when you have epilepsy
Epilepsy is more than seizures. It can affect your sleep, your energy, your confidence, and how other people act around you.
Young Epilepsy’s own studies show that many children experience:
- Tiredness from seizures or medication
- Missed school for health appointments
- Worries about being misunderstood
- Unwanted attention or bullying
- Feeling excluded from activities
More than 40% of parents say their child’s attendance has been affected by epilepsy, which then affects learning and friendships
You’re not alone: other young people feel this too
One of the things we hear most from young people with epilepsy is how powerful it is to meet someone else who “gets it.”
In our Youth Voice Network, young people told us things like:
- “I felt seen for the first time.”
- “Everyone understood what it was like.”
- “It wasn’t just me anymore.”
Feeling understood by others your age can make school, friendships and everyday life feel lighter.
What makes school harder - and what can help
1. People not understanding epilepsy
Sometimes teachers or classmates don’t know what epilepsy is or how seizures work. That can make you feel judged or singled out. It’s not your job to educate everyone - but helping your school understand your needs can make your day far easier.
Teachers may also worry about doing something wrong when people have seizure because they haven’t had enough training. We offer free training. With more knowledge, they become confident - and that builds your sense of safety.
2. Tiredness and concentration difficulties
Lots of young people with epilepsy talk about feeling tired at school, needing breaks, or finding it harder to concentrate. That’s normal. School staff are not always aware how medication and seizures can affect your energy levels and learning.
3. Communicating with school
Building good communication with key school staff—like your form tutor or the school nurse—is vital. By keeping your IHP updated, you help staff stay aware of things like poor sleep, seizures at home, or if you’re having a tough day. This ensures they can support you appropriately and make school a safer, more understanding place.
The ABLE form helps staff and families discuss how epilepsy can affect behaviour and learning, identify challenges, and agree on support strategies.
Learn more about ABLE and access the form here.
Our inclusion team are here to support teachers to understand how best to support you. Find out more about our inclusion support or email us directly inclusion@youngepilepsy.org.uk.
Handy tip: If you miss lessons because of epilepsy, don’t hesitate to ask your teachers for any key points, notes or presentation slides you’ve missed. This helps you keep up with your studies and prevents gaps in your learning. Most teachers are happy to share resources and can explain anything that isn’t clear, so you’re not left behind.
3. Worry about having a seizure in public
This is one of the biggest fears young people share. Even if your seizures are controlled, the “what if” feeling can make you anxious in lessons, assemblies or busy corridors.
When teachers understand your seizure plan and know how to respond, that fear becomes smaller.
4. Missing out on activities
Sometimes adults limit what you can do because they’re trying to keep you safe - but they can go too far. You deserve to take part in trips, sports and clubs. With the right planning, most activities can be made safe and inclusive.
What belonging looks like for you
Here are signs that you’re in a school where you belong:
- Teachers know about your epilepsy and treat you with respect
- You don’t feel embarrassed to ask for help or take time to rest
- Your friends understand what epilepsy is and don’t make it a big deal
- You’re included in lessons, activities and trips
- You feel safe, understood and seen.
Belonging is when school stops being something you “get through” - and becomes somewhere you can be yourself.
What adults can do to help you belong
For parents and carers
- Share your child’s epilepsy profile with school.
- Explain what seizures actually look like, especially if they’re subtle.
- Encourage your child’s independence and let them guide what they’re ready for.
- Work with school staff to create a support plan that feels realistic, not restrictive.
Find more guidance for parents and carers
For teachers and school staff
- Learn about the child’s seizure type and rescue plan.
- Understand how tiredness, anxiety or medication may affect learning.
- Offer calm, consistent support - without making the child feel “different.”
- Encourage peer understanding to reduce stigma.
- Make sure they are included, not protected out of opportunities.
You deserve to belong
School should be a place where you feel safe, valued and understood - not a place shaped by fear, assumptions or limits.
When adults take the time to understand what you need, adjust the environment, and listen to your voice, belonging becomes possible. And with belonging comes confidence, friendship, learning and joy.
Epilepsy may be part of your life, but it should never be the reason you feel left out.
You deserve to feel like you belong - exactly as you are.
