Five to Twelve and Growing Up in the 2020s

Five to Twelve - More information

Growing up in the 2020s - More information

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), the largest independent social research organisation in Britain, is leading two new national studies, Five to Twelve and Growing Up in the 2020s. This research has been commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE). These studies will follow groups of Year 1 and Year 8 pupils from both the state and independent sectors to take a closer look into educational disadvantages and inequalities in contemporary England. Both studies aim to achieve 8,500 successful responses. NFER and the National Children’s Bureau are collaborating partners in this work.

A key aim of both studies is to collect data over time on pupils’ wellbeing, experiences, transitions and outcomes at school. This data will help researchers and policymakers to understand and improve educational inequalities experienced by children and their families across England. Areas of interest addressed in the studies include family life, digital engagement, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), emotional and behavioural wellbeing and COVID-19.

During the 2023 autumn term, NFER will be approaching selected independent sector prep and secondary schools inviting them to help support either the Five to Twelve or the Growing Up in the 2020s research programmes. Taking part is completely voluntary.

Five to Twelve Five to Twelve

Five to Twelve focuses on children at primary school (Years 1 to 6). By following the same group of children and their families for a number of years, the study aims to understand how children’s school, home life and relationships shape their future education, development and outcomes.

Schools contacted by NFER have a key role in recruiting a nationally representative sample of children for this important study. Schools will be asked to complete a short online form to inform NFER of their interest. At this stage, this would involve the school inviting Year 1 parents/carers to take part, using materials provided by NFER. Once interest is confirmed, parents/carers will be asked to engage directly with NatCen, who will offer them further information.

View further information about Five to Twelve, including FAQs. Please note that the NatCen website describes the study detail for state sector schools, which has some differences to the research process for independent schools that NFER is supporting.

You can view Five To Twelve's Privacy Notice here.

To contact NFER about Five to Twelve, please email [email protected].

Growing Up in the 2020s Growing Up

Growing Up in the 2020s focuses on young people as they go through secondary school (Years 8 to 12). By following the same group of young people and their families for a number of years, the study aims to understand how young people's school, home life and relationships shape their future education, development and outcomes.

Schools contacted by NFER have a key role in recruiting a nationally representative sample of children for this important study. Schools will be asked to complete a short online form to inform NFER of their interest. At this stage, this would involve the school inviting Year 8 parents/carers to take part, using materials provided by NFER. Once interest is confirmed, parents/carers will be asked to engage directly with NatCen, who will offer them further information.

View further information about Growing Up in the 2020s, including FAQs. Please note that the NatCen website describes the study detail for state sector schools, which has some differences to the research process for independent schools that NFER is supporting.

Growing up in the 2020s Privacy Notice can be found here.

To contact NFER about Growing Up in the 2020s, please email [email protected].