Dame Rachel Launches Mega School Survey to Overhaul Student Support
The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has kicked off the biggest-ever survey of schools and colleges nationwide. The mission? To gather hard facts on how pupils are supported inside and beyond the classroom. This groundbreaking survey collects anonymised data from school leaders to spotlight the real story behind student care and resources — aiming to shake up the education system for good.
First-Time Data Dive Using Statutory Powers
This is the first time Dame Rachel has wielded her statutory powers to demand data on such a colossal scale. The results will steer major government decisions, shaping an education system that truly meets every child’s needs.
“As a former teacher and headteacher, I know the influential role schools play in children’s lives,” Dame Rachel said. “This survey will give us irrefutable evidence of how schools support children beyond the classroom, helping to ensure their real experiences are reflected in future policy decisions.”
What the Survey Covers: From Mental Health to Vaping
The survey digs deep into how schools handle:
- Mental health support, including counsellors and educational psychologists
- Help for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Emerging issues like vaping, e-cigarettes, and mobile phone rules
- School safety, including police collaboration on drugs, violence, and child exploitation
- Extra support services such as food banks and uniform aid
Following Up On The Big Ambition Survey
This new school survey follows the Big Ambition report, which heard from a quarter of a million young people earlier this year. “School” was the most talked-about word, proving education remains top of mind for kids and teens alike.
The findings — set for release in 2025 — promise to expose how schools shape every aspect of children’s lives. The data will feed into high-level policy to ensure education reforms put young people’s experiences front and centre.
