We asked over 500 students in Torbay about their life in school. The results reveal a system under pressure and a clear path to making it better.
Now we want to hear from parents, carers and teachers.
“If you were a goldfish, you got lots of attention. If you were a shark you got lots of attention. But if you were an ordinary fish then you got left to your own devices.”
Young researcher, LocalMotion Torbay
We need your voice
The data is clear. We need to bridge the gap between academic pressure and student wellbeing. Whether you are a parent, carer, or teacher, your perspective is vital to shaping the future of education. Join the conversation.
Parents and carers
Does your child feel like a goldfish, a shark, or lost in the middle? Share your experience of how your school handles wellbeing.
Teachers and staff
You are on the frontline. How do you balance academic targets with pastoral care? We want to hear the professional perspective.
The perception gap
Our youth-led research uncovered a startling disconnect. While schools focus heavily on grades, students feel their emotional health is being left behind. This imbalance is affecting their sense of belonging and mental wellbeing.
What matters to the school?
- Academic success: 68% of students believe academic success is important to the school.
- Emotional wellbeing: 43% of students believe their emotional wellbeing is important to the school.
Average wellbeing score
21.82 out of 35
Using the SWEMWBS scale, our student cohort scored significantly lower than the national average (23.61). This indicates a measureable wellbeing deficit in our classrooms.
The triad of wellbeing
Our data shows three key factors are most strongly linked to better mental health:
A sense of belonging
Supportive teachers
Feeling the school cares
Want to find out more?
Watch a video based on this report to find out what young people said.
Tools and resources
