How are Trent College using Peerscroller?
We spoke to Hayley Randall, Head of PSHE, about how Trent College became the second school or college to hit their learner engagement target, with 75% of learners signed up to Peerscroller. For them, the breakthrough wasn’t a complex strategy, it was a bold but practical decision: temporarily lifting their usual phone policy to give learners protected time to sign up.
By creating that space and setting clear expectations, Trent College ensured sign-up wasn’t rushed, optional, or left to chance. The result wasn’t just strong initial uptake, but a foundation for meaningful ongoing use.
Tips from Trent College for Embedding Peerscroller
Create time and space for learners to sign up
“We made an exception to phone ban so that we could support the download of the Peerscroller app during a PSHE lesson. We wanted our students to have access to reliable information outside of the classroom… so they can find trustworthy answers to PSHE questions even after school.”
Rather than expecting students to register independently outside of lessons, Trent built sign-up directly into PSHE time. Briefly relaxing their phone policy meant every learner could create an account smoothly and without distraction.
This practical shift positioned Peerscroller as part of learning from the outset. It reduced friction, avoided piecemeal uptake, and established a shared starting point across year groups.
Use real engagement to refine your curriculum
“The data showing which videos students are watching is brilliant, it helps us shape our curriculum according to their needs.”
Once students began exploring content beyond lessons, staff gained valuable insight into what resonated. Patterns in viewing behaviour highlighted topics learners were curious about and areas where further discussion might be needed.
Rather than sticking rigidly to a pre-set plan, Trent used this insight to adapt and refine their PSHE delivery. This made lessons feel more responsive and closely aligned with students’ lived experiences.
Turn strong uptake into sustained culture
"We’re hoping to use the videos in lessons to stimulate discussions. We’re also hoping that our students and their families will use the app as a source of credible information."
Reaching 75% engagement wasn’t treated as an endpoint. The school now plans to weave Peerscroller more deliberately into lessons and gradually extend its presence beyond the classroom.
The aim isn’t to replace conversations, but to strengthen them; giving students, and parents, a shared, reliable resource they can return to when questions arise.
When implementation is intentional and follow-through is steady, engagement becomes part of the culture rather than a one-off initiative.