A recent survey in Croydon has revealed a positive trend in pupil wellbeing, with a majority of young people reporting good general health. However, concerns about bullying and discrimination persist, according to the findings of the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Survey for School-Age Children and Young People (2024/25). The survey, which involved 4,852 pupils from 60 schools, indicated that 85% of students reported good general health, and 73% had a positive outlook on life. A significant improvement was also noted in physical activity, with 31% of pupils exercising every day, a rise from 25% in the previous survey.
Despite these positive indicators, the survey highlighted that 28% of pupils experienced bullying in the last 12 months, with the primary reason cited being appearance. In response to this, targeted support to improve key stage three girls' self-esteem is being implemented, directly addressing concerns about body image. Furthermore, 30% of secondary school pupils reported experiencing discrimination based on race, skin colour, or place of birth. To combat this, targeted support is being provided to improve survey data on bullying and discrimination within schools, with a specific focus on celebrating difference.
Sleep deprivation was also a concern, with one in four pupils not getting enough sleep, a trend more pronounced in older students. While the specific reasons for this are not detailed, strategies are being developed, including priority work around teacher professional development in the new RSHE curriculum, which will link into teaching about sleep hygiene. The survey results are also informing investment in initiatives to respond to key findings, in partnership with the Croydon Education Partnership Wellbeing Sub-group.
Secondary school-aged girls reported lower wellbeing scores and confidence in discussing safe sex compared to their peers. The survey found that 37% of secondary school-aged pupils felt confident discussing safe sex with a partner, with confidence increasing with age. To address this, targeted support is being provided to increase confidence in discussing safe sex and where to access sexual health services, linking this to girls' self-esteem and a wider focus on healthy relationships programmes within Croydon schools.
In response to the overall findings, actions are being taken to address the concerns. Targeted support for self-esteem, bullying prevention, and healthy relationships education is being implemented. Schools that participated in the survey received tailored information packs, and education advisors have offered meetings to discuss the results and identify priority areas for improvement.
The survey also revealed that 60% of pupils enjoy school, a figure similar to the previous year. However, enjoyment varied by age group, with younger pupils and those in Year 12 more likely to report enjoying school than those in Years 8 and 10.
Efforts are underway to increase participation from secondary schools in future surveys, as current data shows a skew towards primary school-aged children. The Croydon Health and Wellbeing Survey for School-Age Children and Young People noted that 77% of respondents were primary school-aged, compared to 48% of the eligible pupil population. The project team is focusing on securing collaboration with schools to maintain or increase survey uptake among secondary school students, as well as in special, independent, and home school settings. This challenge of skewed data is recognised as being common across similar school surveys in other areas. The survey methodology is being reviewed, and discussions are taking place about different ways to administer the survey, particularly with secondary school students. The next survey is scheduled for the autumn term of 2026.
The Croydon Health and Wellbeing Survey is described as an ongoing 10-year commitment to really understand children and young people's health and wellbeing.
The long-term ambition is to track survey results over a decade to understand how students' health and wellbeing in Croydon changes and where they may need additional support. Future surveys will measure progress by continuing to collect data on self-reported wellbeing, general health, life ratings, body image, exercise, diet, sleep, school enjoyment, feelings of safety, bullying, discrimination, substance use, sexual health, and pride in Croydon. The biennial nature of the survey allows for trend data to be established and monitored over time. The full survey report can be accessed here: Appendix - School Survey 202425.
