The Bedford Borough health and wellbeing survey took place in 2025. The survey was managed by the Schools Health Education Unit (SHEU) on behalf of the public health team. It was completed by pupils in schools across the academic years 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12.
It is anticipated the survey will be completed every 2 years, with the next one taking place in Autumn 2027.
How the data from the survey is used
The data collected from this survey provides insight into emerging trends within the health and wellbeing requirements of the children and young people within Bedford Borough. The use of this evidence will determine how different services will be delivered and provide the required outcomes for young residents in the local area.
All of the schools and settings involved in this survey receive a detailed report on the findings of this survey which will help:
- influence the development of academic policies, school curriculum and interventions for important matters for young people
- provide information of good practice for Ofsted inspections
- shape the methods in which health and wellbeing is approached within schools
Key findings
2,670 pupils aged between 4 to 12 (even years only) took part in the survey between November 2025 to January 2026. 34% of schools participated in this survey.
The survey covered 5 key themes:
Emotional health and wellbeing
Among primary school pupils:
- 77% reported feeling quite or very happy with their life.
- 68% said that when they do not succeed at first, they usually or always keep trying until they do.
Among secondary school pupils:
- 60% said they were feeling quite or very happy with their life.
- 37% had high self-esteem.
- 15% were highly resilient.
Healthy eating and physical activity
- 80% of primary pupils said they enjoy PE and games lessons.
- 25% of secondary pupils said they had nothing to eat on the morning of the survey.
- 58% of secondary pupils said they get enough sleep to feel awake throughout the day.
Staying safe
- 25% of primary pupils reported being bullied within the previous 12 months.
- 69% of primary pupils access the internet on a device in their bedroom.
- 95% of secondary pupils said they had been told how to stay safe online.
Smoking, drinking and drug use
- 21% of primary pupils worry quite a lot or a lot about someone they know using alcohol or drugs.
- 15% of secondary pupils said have tried vaping.
- 6% of secondary pupils reported drinking alcohol during the previous seven days.
Growing up and relationships
- 74% of primary pupils said their parents or carers had spoken to them about how their body changes as they grow up.
- 81% of male secondary pupils and 93% of female secondary pupils believe it is always wrong to be forced to do something you do not want to do in a relationship.
- 78% of male secondary pupils and 92% of female secondary pupils believe it is always wrong to use hurtful or threatening language in a relationship.
Areas of focus
Analysis of the survey data identified these priority groups and key themes as areas requiring focused attention from Public Health and partners.
Priority groups
- Girls and young women
- LGBTQ+ pupils
- Young carers
Key themes
- Healthy relationships
- Resilience and wellbeing
- Equity
Next steps
- Explore what limited engagement from schools that did not participate.
- Engage children and young people in the next stage of the project, creating plans that capture what action will be taken in response to the survey.
- Facilitate and enable actions to take place with schools and partners.
Key messages to schools
- Let pupils know what you have found out and engage them in what happens next.
- Work with external partners in the planning, delivery and evaluation of provision.
- Please let us know what you are doing in response to what your pupils have told you.
Videos
We have created three videos that describe the findings from the survey.
Primary school health and wellbeing video (with graphs)
Primary school health and wellbeing video (without graphs)
Secondary schools health and wellbeing video
Further information
The behaviours and experiences of children and young people can vary between different groups. For more information about inequalities and differences identified through the survey, please contact: Public.Health@bedford.gov.uk.