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A stark decline in pupil wellbeing in schools

Pupil Wellbeing Report 2023

Our new research reveals stark data on children’s wellbeing and emotional health in English schools. Highlighting views from 184,000 pupils, this report provides an overview of the insights gained into emotional, physical, and social wellbeing.

We highlight key differences in wellbeing between pupils of different year groups, genders and school characteristics like school phase and Ofsted ratings.

Key learnings discussed in the report include:

  • Overall Wellbeing: Wellbeing has worsened significantly since 2020
  • Happiness at School: Pupils’ happiness to be studying at their school has decreased by 15% since 2020/21
  • Year Group: Wellbeing scores decrease as pupils get older, but there is an increase in happiness at school once pupils enter sixth form
  • Gender: Girls have lower wellbeing scores than boys, and this gap is widening over time
  • School Characteristics: There is clear evidence for a link between overall wellbeing and school phase, but limited evidence for the school’s Ofsted rating, and no evidence for school size for primary and secondary schools

The report includes expert commentary from Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts.

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Introduction

This report leverages data from the Edurio Pupil Learning Experience and Wellbeing Survey, offering a nuanced understanding of trends in pupil wellbeing. This inquiry builds upon our previous research from 2021, aiming to trace the trajectory of pupil wellbeing over the past three years.

While the data paints a sombre picture, indicating a decline in all measures of pupil wellbeing since 2020 except loneliness, our intent is not to foster despondency but to prompt proactive engagement.

Methodology

This report is based on insights from a dataset created based on the Edurio Pupil Learning Experience and Wellbeing Survey consisting of over 77,000 pupil responses in 2022/23 and over 184,000 pupil responses from 2020/21 until 2022/23.

Who will find this report useful?

We encourage Trust and school leaders, as well as other educational stakeholders, to view this report not just as a diagnosis but as a strategic roadmap for improvement. We hope the insights we present through examining the dynamics between wellbeing, pupil characteristics, and school characteristics will provide a fruitful soil for ideas on where intervention is most needed.

What impacts the dynamics of Pupil Wellbeing Amidst COVID-19: A Multi-Year Analysis?

The focus on pupil wellbeing has heightened in recent years in light of attempts to gauge the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this report, we concentrate on uncovering trends in wellbeing in the period from 2020/21, when pupils were studying remotely for significant portions of the year, to 2022/23, when pupils have spent almost two years back in school.

This report provides an overview of the insights gained into emotional, physical and social wellbeing during this crucial time frame. We highlight key differences in wellbeing between pupils of different year groups, genders, and school characteristics like school phase and Ofsted ratings.

Ever wondered how your pupils' experience compares to the national average?

Find out more HERE