Commissioned by the Scottish Executive Education Department, this review focuses on research into the possible associations between health and pupils' school attainment. Looking particularly at recent research from the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North America, the review covers research into the effects on attainment of physical health (including illnesses and physical exercise), nutrition, risk behaviors (such as substance misuse), and mental health (including behavioral problems). The review highlights the following conclusions: (1) the various findings about the relationship between educational attainment and health are confounded by other influential factors, such as school and community characteristics; (2) while schools cannot address all social problems, research suggests that there are areas in which school interventions may make a difference, especially those that increase probability of school attendance; and (3) there are no longitudinal studies of the nature required to clarify firm associations between health and school attainment in Scotland. Contains 160 references. (EV)