The recent HBSC (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children) Conference in Athens brought together 121 delegates from 39 of the 51 member countries and regions. This vibrant event marked only the second time Greece has hosted the conference in the past two decades—making it a particularly special occasion.
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The conference opened with updates from the International Co-ordinating Committee, followed by inspiring keynote addresses. Prof. Oddrun Samdalset the tone, and we heard powerful reflections from João Breda (WHO Athens) and senior officials from the Greek Ministries of Health and Education.
Their messages underscored the critical role of international collaboration in advancing public health.
This collaboration is exemplified by the strategic integration of HBSC within SHRN since 2013, which has significantly improved response rates and expanded the national sample in Wales.
Key Highlights:
Presentation of eight HBSC trend reports on topics like social inequalities, sexual health, and mental health.
Sophie Jullien shared the WHO’s renewed strategy for child and adolescent well-being.
We were particularly thrilled to see Wales receive recognition for its integration of HBSC into the TheSchool Health Research Network (SHRN) – a model for effective monitoring and school-level health planning. Our model, which combines international data with SHRN’s national infrastructure, has been internationally recognised as a best-practice approach for school-level health action planning.
Focus Groups & Country Collaborations
Delegates joined focus groups aligned with their expertise ranging from violence prevention to eating and dieting. Our country cluster (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Canada) also met for some lively discussions on school recruitment and data sharing.
Wales was proud to present its approach through our bespoke school reports, digital dashboards, webinars, newsletters, and events. These tools not only support schools but also demonstrate how SHRN uses HBSC data to drive policy-relevant research and improve youth health outcomes.
A Touching Performance
A standout moment was a musical performance by En-Techni Psyhi, a group of mental health service users and community members. Their performance promoted destigmatisation through music; an emotional and memorable experience.
Planning Ahead
In the afternoon, we met with our specialised working groups to plan the next survey round. A proud moment came when Kelly and I were elected as Co-Principal Investigators for Wales; a role we’re honoured to take on. We also bid a heartfelt farewell to Dr. Chris Roberts, whose contributions to HBSC have been invaluable.
Day 2: Deep Dives & Collaboration
Participation in HBSC allows SHRN to contribute to and benefit from global knowledge exchange, ensuring that Wales remains at the forefront of adolescent health research.
The second day encouraged cross-disciplinary dialogue through morning cross-focus group meetings. Later, topic-specific sessions allowed for deeper exploration of key areas.
Development Groups
Post-lunch, we joined development groups tackling such as policy, methodology, chronic conditions, and qualitative validation methods
A Personal Highlight
I had the privilege of chairing a parallel health session featuring outstanding presentations from the Lithuanian, Dutch, and Belgian (Flemish) teams. The day concluded with a warm and lively dinner at a local restaurant—strengthening friendships and future collaborations.
Day 3: Closing Insights & Looking Ahead
The final day took us to the stunning National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where we wrapped up with discussions on multi-level modelling and data optimisation.
The closing plenary was a fitting end to a truly inspiring event. As we said our goodbyes, the Welsh team left feeling energised and ready for the next chapter.
Final Thoughts
As we continue this work, the SHRN-HBSC partnership remains a cornerstone of our strategy – linking local action with global insight to promote young people’s health and well-being.
The HBSC Conference in Athens was more than just a meeting. It was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. As we return to our work in Wales, we’re inspired to keep building on this momentum.
We’re already looking forward to reconnecting at the online meetings in November, and hopefully, attending next year’s conference hosted by the Czech team!
Stay Connected
To stay updated on SHRN and HBSC developments visit our website.
SHRN is helping schools across Wales put health and well-being at the heart of education. In this blog, Maria Boffey, SHRN’s External Affairs and Knowledge Exchange Manager, shares how schools are using SHRN data to shape strategies, support learners, and create lasting, evidence-informed change….
How SHRN is Helping Build Stronger Schools and Healthier Learners Across Wales
At SHRN, we believe that when learners are healthy and supported, they thrive—not just academically, but socially and emotionally too. That’s why we’re proud to be a trusted partner working with schools across Wales to embed health and well-being into the heart of school life.
Why SHRN Matters
Every two years, SHRN conducts a national data collection involving learners and school staff. This isn’t just a survey—it’s a powerful tool for change.
When schools take part in SHRN’s data collection, they receive tailored, benchmarkable data that offers real value. This data help schools reflect on their current strategies, highlighting what’s working well and where there’s room for improvement. With clear, school-specific insights, teachers can plan targeted interventions that are grounded in evidence and aligned with their unique school context.
Why does this matter? Because healthier learners are better learners. When students feel safe, supported, and well, they’re more likely to attend, stay engaged, and reach their full potential. A strong foundation of health and well-being is essential for academic success and personal growth. That’s why SHRN’s work is so important: it helps schools create the kind of environment where every learner can thrive.
A National Movement
SHRN is part of a wider effort to embed health and well-being into the education system. We work closely with the Welsh Government, Healthy Schools, and Public Health Wales to ensure that school-level data contributes to national understanding and policy development.
As Lynne NeagleAS/MS, Cabinet Secretary for Education has highlighted, this work is about more than data—it’s about empowering schools to make meaningful, lasting change:
“ SHRN is a cornerstone in providing invaluable data and evidence that shape policy and practice. …. This crucial data supports the Welsh Government’s mental health and education policies and drives impactful work in the wider education sector and academia. SHRN is at the forefront of transforming the educational landscape, ensuring the well-being of our children and the future of our communities.”
What We Measure
At SHRN, we know that supporting learners means looking at the full picture. That’s why our surveys explore a wide range of topics that matter deeply to both schools and learners. From mental health and emotional well-being to physical activity, nutrition, substance use, school climate, and pupil voice—our approach is designed to be comprehensive. By giving schools a clearer view of their learners’ experiences, we help them make informed, meaningful decisions that support well-being across the board.
How SHRN Helps Schools Make a Lasting Impact
SHRN equips schools with the tools, training, and connections they need to create meaningful, lasting change. From boosting learner well-being to strengthening community engagement, our approach is designed to be practical and empowering. Schools gain access to high-quality, tailored data that informs planning, supports inspections, and tracks progress over time. We offer professional development opportunities that help staff grow, and we foster a culture of collaboration through a strong network of schools, researchers, and public sector partners. SHRN also helps schools empower young people to take the lead in well-being initiatives, while promoting a positive, inclusive school culture. By using SHRN insights, schools can build stronger relationships with families and local services and embed sustainable improvements that benefit the whole school community.
What Schools Are Saying
The most meaningful insights into SHRN’s impact come directly from the schools we work with and inspire our work:
“SHRN data helps us plan a curriculum that responds to learners’ real experiences.”
Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth
“Our SHRN data has helped us create a learner-led, age-appropriate well-being curriculum.”
Whitchurch High School.
Celebrating the Power of an Evidence-Informed Approach
We’ve explored how SHRN is supporting schools across Wales to place health and well-being at the centre of education. From providing high-quality, tailored data to fostering collaboration and professional growth, SHRN is helping schools make informed, meaningful changes that benefit learners and staff alike.
The voices of schools themselves speak volumes—showing how SHRN data is being used to shape responsive curricula, support inspections, and strengthen whole-school approaches to health and well-being. These real-world school examples remind us that when schools are equipped with the right tools and insights, they can create environments where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
At its core, SHRN is about partnership, evidence, and impact. And as schools continue to engage with the network, the collective effort to build stronger, healthier learning communities grows even stronger.
Explore More and Stay Connected
Visit our page to read real examples of how schools are using SHRN data to drive positive change.
Sign up to our e-bulletin to stay up to date with the latest SHRN insights, resources, and opportunities.
Let’s keep the conversation going—and continue building stronger schools and healthier learners together.
We’re delighted to announce that an update to the Public Health Wales Secondary School Health and Well-being SHRN Data Dashboard is now live!
This dashboard, developed in collaboration between SHRN and Public Health Wales, offers accessible, data-driven insights into the health and well-being of secondary school learners across Wales.
What’s New?
This release introduces nearly 30 new topics for the four years of the survey (2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023), with views available for gender, age, year group, family affluence and different geographic levels. These additions provide fresh insights into the current health and well-being of secondary school learners in Wales, on both a national and regional level.
Enhanced Features
The updated dashboard comes with a comprehensive data download that includes the number of learners who responded to the question and the total number of learners who were asked. It also includes exclusion and response rates. The charts and data tables created within the dashboard are all available to download along with a data table to accompany it, replacing the National Report from 2023 onwards previously published by SHRN.
Ongoing Development
The platform is continually evolving, with more indicators and breakdowns planned for future updates. For further details, please refer to the proposed publicationtimetable on the Public Health Wales website.
This case study show cases how Cogan Primary School effectively used SHRN data to identify and address key challenges faced by Year 6 pupils, including low self-esteem and difficulties in peer relationships.
With the support of their WNHWPS Healthy Schools Co-ordinator and an external organisation, the school introduced a targeted intervention to boost confidence, improve emotional awareness, and foster positive peer connections. Their collaborative approach and use of external resources have led to lasting benefits for their learners.
Click below to find out more
Building Brighter Futures: How Cogan Primary School Uses SHRN Data to Empower Year 6 School Leavers.
Maria Boffey, SHRN External Affairs and Knowledge Exchange Manager, delves into this study insights which highlights the importance of understanding the nuanced relationship between social media and young people’s mental health…
The Rise of Online Communication Among Young People
Online communication plays a central role in the lives of young people across the UK. The statistics are striking—a vast majority of 12 to 15-year-olds are active online, while mobile phone ownership is becoming increasingly common among even younger children. With this growing digital presence come conversations and concerns about the effects of social media on mental health. According to recent statistics, 99% of 12- to 15-year-olds are connected to the internet, and 95% report using social media before and after school daily (Home Office, 2020).
Mixed Evidence on Social Media and Mental Health
Dr. Rebecca Anthony highlights a key point: the evidence regarding social media’s impact on mental health is mixed. While some studies indicate small but significant associations with mental health, others find no substantial link. This disparity might be attributed to varying research methods, the ever-evolving digital landscape, and the complex way social media interacts with factors like sleep, physical activity, and cyberbullying. She emphasises that researchers must go beyond simplistic metrics like screen time and investigate what young people are doing online, the motivations behind social media use, as well as identify potentially vulnerable groups of young people.
Introducing SHRN Data
Using data from The SHRN Student Health and Well-being Survey in Secondary Schools 2019, the study team explored critical topics such as mental health, online communication, cyberbullying and relationships. This data served as a foundation for her research, providing valuable insights into the health and well-being of young people, and the factors influencing it.
Key Findings on Social Media Use Among Secondary School Learners
Using data from the 2019 survey, the study explored how online communication relates to mental health among secondary school learners aged 11 to 16 years. The investigation revealed important trends:
Strong Engagement: 82% of learners connect with their closest friends online daily.
Positive aspects: Frequent online interaction with friends from real-life and larger friendship circles is associated with improved well-being.
Negative Impacts: Conversely, frequent contact with virtual friends- those made exclusively online—is linked to lower well-being, especially for girls.
Cyberbullying: 13% of learners reported being victims of cyberbullying.
Escapism: 40% admitted using social media to escape negative emotions.
Implications for Supporting Young People’s Well-being
These findings underline the dual nature of social media—it can foster meaningful connections while also posing risks for certain groups. Potentially vulnerable demographics, such as adolescent girls communicating with online-only friendships, require particular attention. Addressing these challenges demands a nuanced approach to understanding young people’s social media habits and their broader impact on mental health.
The findings of the study suggest that focusing solely on the amount of time spent online may oversimplify the issue, neglecting important nuances such as the nature of online activities and interactions. Instead of placing excessive emphasis on monitoring and regulating online communication, educators, parents and carers should recognise the potential benefits of engaging with established friendship groups online, while also working to minimise any associated risks. Such efforts to enhance young people’s well-being should take these positive connections into account.
Expanding Research Using SHRN Data: Younger Age Groups
A new study led by SHRN Research Associate Shujun Liu aims to expand SHRN research to primary schools, broadening its scope beyond secondary school learners.
This holistic approach will ensure ensures a comprehensive understanding of how social and environmental factors impact the well-being of children across different stages of their education. Watch Shujun’ s webinar here.
SHRN Data: Driving Impactful Research and Policy Changes
The SHRN Student Health and Well-being Survey is a cornerstone for impactful research, offering critical insights into young people’s lives. By analysing SHRN data, researchers such as Dr. Rebecca Anthony can explore:
How social media influences mental well-being.
Trends in online communication among secondary learners.
Risk factors affecting vulnerable groups.
Beyond academic research, SHRN findings have real-world applications:
Policymakers can use these insights to design targeted interventions and allocate resources effectively.
Schools can implement educational initiatives to teach children and young people how to navigate the digital world safely. For example, the identification of adolescent girls at higher risk due to online-only friendships provides a data-driven foundation for developing support programmes.
Conclusion
As SHRN continues its efforts, these insights pave the way for informed strategies to promote healthy digital practices and support the health and well-being of children and young people across Wales and beyond . With the combined focus on secondary and primary schools, this comprehensive approach will undoubtedly contribute to creating an environment that prioritises the mental health and well-being and development of all ages of education.
New findings using SHRN data by Public Health Wales in partnership with The School Health Research Network at DECIPHer, Cardiff University reveals that over 20% of girls from lower-income families in Wales report problematic social media use. The 2023 SHRN Student Health and Well-Being Survey, involving nearly 130,000 learners, found that girls from low and middle affluence households have significantly higher rates of problematic social media use compared to boys.
Emily van de Venter, Consultant from Public Health Wales expressed concern over the impact of social media on young people’s relationships and mental health, particularly among lower affluence groups. Dr. Kelly Morgan, SHRN Director, emphasised the importance of monitoring trends to understand how social media use affects health behaviours.
Dr. Kelly Morgan, Director of SHRN, recently took the stage at the Healthy and Active School Journeys Conference in March 2025, hosted by Welsh Government in Cardiff. This premier event brought together educators, policymakers, and urban planners to explore innovative strategies for promoting active travel to schools.
Ken Skates, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, officially opened the event, underscoring the Welsh Government’s commitment to active travel and accessibility in education. In his remarks, he emphasised the importance of promoting walking, wheeling, and cycling as essential components of a healthier and more sustainable approach to school travel. His speech reinforced the government’s vision for a future where active travel is not just encouraged but fully integrated into daily life.
During her presentation, Dr. Morgan highlighted the crucial role of The School Health Network Research Network (SHRN) in monitoring and shaping policies that support safer, healthier, and more sustainable active journeys for learners. She emphasised how SHRN’s data-driven evidence-based approach helps schools and communities implement effective active travel initiatives, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all learners.
Dr. Morgan said: ‘SHRN is committed to supporting schools in integrating health-focused travel solutions, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between education and public health sectors. It was inspiring to hear the incredible stories from Radnor Primary School about their Bike Bus initiative – a brilliant example of how schools can champion active travel in creative, community-driven ways.’
The conference featured interactive workshops, expert panels, and real-world case studies, highlighting successful programmes such as walking and cycling buses. Discussions also covered community engagement, infrastructure development, and the long-term benefits of active travel on learner well-being.
SHRN remains committed to supporting schools in integrating health-focused travel solutions, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between education and public health sectors.
At Ysgol Aberconwy, our commitment to the holistic development of our learners – academically, emotionally, and physically – has always been at the heart of what we do. Working with The School Health Research Network (SHRN) has helped us generate robust and actionable data that allowed us to fully understand our learners’ health and well-being. With this valuable insight, we were able to identify specific issues and take targeted, impactful actions to enhance our learners’ health and well-being.
Real-Life Impact: Learners Stories That Inspire Change
One of the most rewarding aspects of our sleep initiative has been hearing the personal stories from our learners.
James, Year 10:
“Before the sleep initiative, I used to struggle with falling asleep and often felt tired during the day. After learning about the importance of sleep and using blue light filtering settings and apps on my phone and tablet, I’ve noticed a huge difference. I fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed. My concentration in class has improved, and I feel more energetic throughout the day.”
Sophie, Year 8:
“The ‘No tech after 9 pm’ rule was tough at first, but it really helped me. I used to stay up late on my phone, but now I read a book before bed instead. I sleep better and feel more focused in school. My grades have improved, and I feel happier overall.”
Liam, Year 11:
“Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule has made a big difference for me. I go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This routine has helped me feel more alert and less stressed. I can concentrate better in class and have more energy for extracurricular activities.”
Emily, year 9:
“Using a sunrise alarm has been a game-changer for me. It wakes me up gently with light, and I feel more awake and ready to start the day. I’ve noticed that I’m more engaged in lessons and less irritable. It’s amazing how much better I feel with good sleep.”
These personal testimonials highlight the real-life impact of our efforts and motivate us to continue our work.
Effective Strategies: How We Tackled Learner’s Sleep Challenges
To address the sleep challenges identified through our school’s SHRN data, we implemented several strategies. We educated learners about circadian rhythms (a pattern the human body follows based on a natural and internal 24-hour clock) and encouraged them to use tools like blue light filtering settings and sunrise alarms. These tools help regulate sleep patterns by reducing exposure to blue light and simulating natural sunlight in the morning.
We also developed slogans and visual campaigns to keep sleep at the forefront of everyone’s mind. For example, the learner led iACh group (ie learners involved in the development and delivery of various health and well-being initiatives) created default desktop backgrounds for all learner and staff computers, that detailed catchy, thought-provoking slogans, such as ‘This third of the day will have the biggest impact on the other two thirds’ to understand the impact of sleep on learners’ health and well-being.
Additionally, Huw Evans, The Welsh Network of Health and Well-being Promoting Schools (WNHWPS) Healthy School Co-ordinator for Conwy, played a crucial role in helping us engage with our SHRN data. This led to the identification of sleep as a priority area, and he supported us in exploring a range of implementation strategies
Overcoming Obstacles: Turning Challenge into Active Participation
Implementing these initiatives wasn’t without its challenges. Initially, some learners were relucent to change their habits, especially when it came to reducing screen time. To address this, we engaged them in the data and discussion, helping them understand the importance of sleep, and encouraged active participation in the initiatives.
A Ripple Effect: The Broader Benefits of Better Sleep on Health and Well-being
Improved sleep has had a ripple effect on other areas of our learners’ lives. Teachers have reported better focus and engagement in class, with one teacher stating “Since our students improved their sleep habits, we’ve seen a noticeable boost in their focus, participation, and overall engagement in lessons. They’re more alert, less stressed, and seem to approach learning with a more positive attitude. Better sleep has also improved their emotional well-being, helping them stay calm under pressure and more motivated. Overall, they’re healthier, more balanced, and ready to succeed both in and out of the classroom. It’s clear that sleep plays a crucial role in their health and well-being and academic success.”
These holistic benefits underscore the importance of addressing sleep as a key component of learner health and well-being.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans to Enhance Learner Health and Well-being
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue using our SHRN data to inform our decisions on how we can further improve the health and well-being of our learners. We plan to explore other aspects of health and well-being, such as nutrition and physical activity, and implement targeted initiatives based on our data insights.
Teamwork at Its Best: How Collaboration Powered Our Success
Our success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our external partners, including local health organisations and The Welsh Network Health and Well-being Promoting Schools (WNHWPS), and Third Sector organisations such as The Sleep Charity. Their expertise and resources have been invaluable in delivering effective support to our learners.
Parents and carers also played a vital role in supporting the movement to improve learners sleep habits, actively participating in engagement sessions led by learners themselves. Together they developed practical advice on how families could support better sleep at home, helping to reinforce healthy habits. Key recommendations included establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and limiting screen time before bed to ensure better sleep quality. Additional guidance emphasised the importance of a comfortable sleep environment, educating their children about sleep hygiene, and encouraging physical activity to promote restful sleep. Parents and carers were also encouraged to set a positive example by demonstrating good sleep habits themselves. Communication and collaboration with school initiatives were highlighted as essential to supporting these efforts at home, reinforcing the connection between sleep, health and well-being, and academic success.
Here’s what one parent had to say about their involvement and how it has benefited the whole family’s attitude and approach towards sleep:
‘Being part of these sessions has made a huge difference in our family’s sleep habits. The practical tips and strategies we learned have helped us establish a more consistent bedtime routine, and we’ve noticed that everyone is sleeping better. The kids are more relaxed at night, and we’ve all become more mindful about limiting screen time before bed. It’s not just about better sleep – it’s also brought our family closer together, as we now prioritise winding down together and supporting each other’s health and well-being. We can really see the positive impact on our energy, mood, and overall health and well-being.’”
Simple Steps, Big Impact: Practical Tips for Better Sleep
For those looking to improve their own sleep habits, we recommend focusing on sleep hygiene practices (healthy habits that you can practice during the day to help you get a good night’s sleep). This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and minimising exposure to screens before bed. Understanding the importance of sleep and taking proactive steps can lead to significant improvements in overall health and well-being.
Encouraging Schools to Prioritise Sleep and Health and Well-being
We encourage other schools to consider similar initiatives and to utilise their SHRN school data to inform their health and well-being strategies. By sharing our experiences and insights, we hope to encourage a greater movement towards healthier, positive school communities.
Final Thoughts: How SHRN Data is Shaping a Healthier Future for Learners
In conclusion, our work with our SHRN data has been incredibly rewarding, and we are excited about the future. We believe that by prioritising our learners’ health and well-being, we are not only enhancing their academic success but also fostering a healthier, more resilient generation of learners.
Further Resources: New Insights on the Power of Sleep for Health and Well-being
New #BeeWell research has highlighted the importance of good sleep habits for young people’s overall health. The study revealed that girls’ sleep and mental well-being are closely linked. When girls reported getting enough sleep, they reported better mental wellbeing one year later. Read more about the study here.
Please note: The names used in this blog have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
About the Author
Rhydian is the Director of Learning at Ysgol Aberconwy Secondary School, where he is responsible for the health and well-being of both learners and staff.
He coordinates the Personal, Social, Health, and Relationship and Sexuality Education (PSHE) curriculum and oversees the school’s House charity system. (Please note, while Personal and Social Education (PSE) is the term used in Wales, Ysgol Aberconwy prefers to use the term PSHE to reflect the inclusion of health in their PSE curriculum).
With 19 years of experience as a Physical Education teacher, Rhydian is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours that enhance the health span of the entire school community.
SHRN bids a heartfelt farewell to Professor Simon Murphy, who retires after 12 years of leadership, transforming it into a global model for school health research.
Under his tenure, SHRN has influenced over 30 national policies, shaping school health and well-being research and action in Wales and beyond.
SHRN’s achievements extend far beyond Wales. The network has been instrumental in launching partner initiatives across the UK, including SHINE in Scotland and regional school research networks in England. Internationally, SHRN’s model has guided research pilots in Namibia and Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its global impact.
In ‘Reflections From The Director: Twelve Years of SHRN’ Professor Murphy reflects on SHRN’s incredible journey, highlighting the power of partnerships in its success: ‘At its core, SHRN has always been about partnership, co-production, and translating knowledge into real-world impact’.
SHRN now enters an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Dr Kelly Morgan, who has served as the Deputy Director for several years. In her blog, ‘Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Next Chapter of SHRN,’ she expresses her deep commitment to SHRN’s mission and values: ‘Our commitment to collaboration, delivering high-quality data, and co-producing impactful work with schools will continue to be central to our mission’ .
Dr Morgan expertise in public health research will focus on school health and well-being interventions and data linkage. She has led SHRN’s expansion into primary schools, amplifying younger learners’ voices in the network. Moving forward, she will oversee:
The launch of an innovative school-level dashboard for secondary schools, providing customised insights to empower educators.
Strengthening partnerships between schools, policymakers, and researchersto drive evidence-based improvements in learner health and well-being.
Continued global collaborations, building on SHRN’s international impact to expand school health initiatives worldwide.
SHRN remains committed to its mission of driving research-informed and evidence-based improvements in school health and well-being. With a strong leadership transition, the network is poised for further growth and impact.
As SHRN welcomes Dr. Kelly Morgan as its new Director. Kelly, in this blog, reflects on past successes and outlines plans to expand school partnerships, engage primary schools, and launch a school-level dashboard.
Written by Dr Kelly Morgan
I’m honoured to step into the role of Director of The School Health Research Network (SHRN), following my time as Deputy Director. First, I want to acknowledge the exceptional leadership of my predecessor, Professor Simon Murphy. His dedication and foresight have been instrumental in establishing SHRN as a world-leading network. To all our partners—from school leaders and educators to policy and practice colleagues—I want to reassure you that SHRN’s foundation remains unwavering. Our commitment to collaboration, delivering high-quality data, and co-producing impactful work with schools will continue to be central to our mission. Providing meaningful, timely, and accessible feedback that drives evidence-informed actions to improve learner health and well-being remains our priority.
Our Vision Moving Forward
My vision for SHRN is grounded in both continuity and bold ambition. I aim to deepen our partnerships with schools while strengthening our impact through practical tools, expanded engagement with primary schools, and closer collaboration with key organisations such as Welsh Government and Public Health Wales.
A Leader with Expertise and Vision
As a Senior Research Fellow at the School of Social Sciences and former Deputy Director of SHRN, I bring a wealth of experience in public health research-co-producing and evaluating interventions that support children and young people’s health and well-being. My skills and experience in data linkage help SHRN investigate the wider systems and social factors that affect learners’ outcomes. Recently, I’ve taken the lead in expanding SHRN into primary schools , ensuring we include the perspectives of younger children to guide early prevention efforts. I’m also passionate about promoting physical activity and sport as integral aspects of a healthy lifestyle—an area that continues to inspire my work and my commitment to enhancing learner health and well-being across Wales.
A Proud Past and an Ambitious Future
Reflecting on SHRN’s journey so far, I am reminded of the incredible collaborations that have driven our success. For example, our partnership with schools has led to tangible improvements in learners’ health and well-being. A particularly memorable moment was
listening to school practitioners describe how learner voice groups have used their school’s SHRN report to drive actions like promoting healthier sleep, including delivering education sessions for parents and carers which showcased the power of collective action and evidence-informed practices.
As we embark on this new chapter, our focus will remain steadfast: combining innovation and collaboration to create meaningful change. SHRN will soon launch an innovative school-level dashboard for secondary schools, offering customised insights to empower them in understanding and improving their learners’ health and well-being outcomes.
I’m incredibly proud to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team within SHRN. Their expertise, creativity, and unwavering commitment are at the heart of the network’s success. Their wealth of knowledge and experience ensures that SHRN remains at the forefront of school health innovation. Moving forward, I’m equally committed to continuing to build strong partnerships and collaborations across the wider network — with school leaders, policymakers, and practitioners. It is through these trusted partnerships that we can continue to grow, innovate, and make meaningful changes of children and young people’s health and well-being.
Thank you for your continued support — I look forward to working with you in this next chapter.
Warm regards,
Dr. Kelly Morgan, Director, SHRN
As we embark on this exciting new chapter, I warmly invite all partners to actively collaborate with SHRN. Whether by sharing your insights, participating in our events and webinars,or leveraging the resources we provide, your involvement is vital to our shared success. Together, we can drive innovative solutions and lasting improvements for schools and learners across Wales
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