Structural harm refers to harm that arises from the design or functioning of systems rather than from a single individual’s actions. In education contexts, structural harm can occur when policies, resource allocation, or institutional practices consistently create barriers for certain groups of students. Examples may include chronic under-support for disabled students, exclusionary disciplinary practices, or processes that make it difficult for families to obtain assistance. Because structural harm develops through systems rather than isolated events, it often becomes visible through patterns over time. Recognising structural harm shifts attention from individual blame toward examining how institutions can change their structures to prevent recurring problems.