Understanding the SHRN Survey and How it Benefits Your Child
This page is for you, the parents and carers of children taking part in The SHRN Student Health and Well-being Survey. Your child’s school will send you information about the survey, and how the data will be managed and used, at least one week before your child is invited to take part. In the meantime, you can find additional details about our survey process and data management on this page.
Get Ready for Our Next Survey!
We’re excited to share that the upcoming cycle of data collection begins in September 2026 for learners in Years 3–6 in mainstream primary schools (with future rounds in 2028 and 2030).
For mainstream secondary schools, surveys for Years 7–13 will start in September 2027, followed by further rounds in 2029 and 2031.
Discover SHRN
Curious about what SHRN is all about? Check out this video which explains what we are all about.
Want more details? Read our brochure to learn about SHRN’s main activities, including data collection, research, and support for schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you might have questions, so we’ve got you covered. Click on the questions below to reveal the answers:
What is SHRN?
The School Health Research Network (SHRN), based at Cardiff University, is funded by Welsh Government.
It is a policy-practice-research partnership between SHRN, Welsh Government and Public Health Wales.
It brings together schools, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across Wales. Our aim is to improve the health and well-being of children and young people by providing data and research that help schools put effective approaches into action.
How Does SHRN Make a Difference to Learner Health and Well-being?
SHRN works across all levels. We support schools locally, regionally, and nationally to improve learner health and well-being. We provide schools with valuable data to help them plan and evaluate their health and well-being programmes. This enables schools to create tailored support that makes a real difference to their learners’ everyday lives.
See how schools across Wales have used their SHRN data to make real improvements- from creating targeted programmes to updating their curriculum and shaping school development plans. Read more here.
As a national support system, backed by the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales, we work with health and education professionals. Regionally, we partner with The Welsh Network of Health and Well-being Promoting Schools (WNHWPS) to apply school health and well-being research evidence into action.
On a National level, The Welsh Government uses SHRN data to plan and monitor national policies. SHRN is referenced in over 30 policies and strategies, including the Whole School Approach (WSA) and the Curriculum for Wales. Public Health Wales also uses the data to deliver programmes such as JustB, a school smoking prevention programme.
Why Are You Asking My Child About Their Health and Well-being?
Our survey collects information on many aspects of children’s and young people’s health and well-being. This helps us understand their needs and supports schools and policymakers in creating effective systems of support. These systems improve health and well-being, helping children and young people feel more confident and secure.
Is The Survey Anonymous?
Yes. Your child’s responses cannot be linked back to them, ensuring their privacy and encouraging honest answers. Schools receive the survey results in aggregate form, meaning they only see data for the whole school, broken down by gender and year group (if appropraite), and not individual’s answers children and young people. All responses are analysed as a group, so individual answers remain anonymous. This protects privacy while still providing valuable insights to improve health and well-being support for everyone.
We take data security seriously. The survey does not collect names or any information that could identify individual learners. All data is stored securely and used only for research and reporting purposes. This approach protects privacy while still providing valuable insights to help schools and policymakers improve health and well-being support for learners.
By keeping responses anonymous, we create a safe space for children and young people to share their experiences honestly. This helps us understand their needs better and ensures that the support provided is based on real evidence.
Is The Survey GDPR Compliant?
Yes, the SHRN survey follows all the rules to protect personal data. It complies with the GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act 2018 to ensure your child’s privacy is safeguarded. Read More…
Why Was My Child Chosen to Take Part?
Your child was chosen to take part because their school is part of the SHRN network. All secondary schools in Wales are part of SHRN, with 95% of these schools and over 70% of learners taking part in 2025. SHRN has recently expanded into primary schools, with nearly half of primary schools taking part in 2024.
Why Does Taking Part Matter?
When schools and learners take part in the SHRN survey, they help us gather valuable insights into children’s and young people’s health and well-being. These insights guide schools and policymakers in creating better support systems and resources that meet real needs.
By contributing to this research, schools can:
- Plan and improve health and well-being programmes based on evidence.
- Identify areas where learners need extra support.
- Shape policies and strategies that make a positive difference across Wales.
Ultimately, this work helps improve learners’ day-to-day experiences, boosts confidence, and supports their success in school and beyond.
Does Your Survey Have Ethical Approval?
Yes, the SHRN survey has ethical approval. Each survey is reviewed and approved by the Cardiff University Ethics Committee. This ensures the survey follows strict guidelines to protect the rights and well-being of the children and young people who take part. It means the survey is conducted in a way that is respectful, safe, and fair for everyone.
How Often Does the Survey Happen?
The SHRN survey is carried out every two years in each school setting. This regular cycle helps schools and policymakers track changes in health and well-being over time and measure the impact of interventions and changes.
This regular cycle helps schools and policymakers track changes in health and well-being over time and measure the impact of interventions. It also gives schools the space to plan, implement and embed changes effectively, knowing they will have updated data every two years to review progress, refine their approach and see what’s working.
What if My Child, or I, Do Not Want to Participate?
Taking part in the SHRN survey is completely voluntary. If you or your child decides not to take part, you can opt out. Please inform your child’s teacher that you do not wish them to participate.
Schools will give you information on how to do this closer to the time of the survey.
What Will My Child Be Asked to Do?
Your child will need to complete an online survey during school time. Your school will tell you when this is happening.
Before taking part in the 2026 Data Collection, primary school learners will have the chance to understand what the survey is about and why it matters.
In primary schools, teachers are asked to read a short explanation to the class and check learners’ understanding before the survey is completed. Children are also given the opportunity to choose not to take part in the data collection.
What Types of Questions Will You Ask My Child?
Questions are safe, age-appropriate and approved by Cardiff University’s Ethic Committee. They cover daily habits such as food and nutrition, physical activity, and sleep habits. It also asks about feelings, emotions, and mental health experiences. Learners are asked how they feel about their school environment, their relationships with teachers and peers, and their overall satisfaction with school. It also asks about health behaviours that can affect their health and well-being.
How Have the Questions Been Developed?
The survey draws on tried and trusted questions. By working with schools, health experts, and our partners we ensure the questions are useful for understanding and improving learner health and well-being. The process includes talking to teachers and health professionals to find out what topics are important, looking at research and testing the questions to make sure they are clear. This way, the questions are both scientifically sound, age appropriate and relevant.
Can I See the Questions Beforehand?
Yes, parents and carers can see the survey questions in advance. All participating schools are provided with an electronic copy of the survey and requested to make it available to parents and carers on request.
How Will You Use the Survey Answers?
The answers will be used to create reports and insights that help schools, practitioners and policymakers improve health and well-being support for learners. Read these Reports.
Upcoming Parent and Carer Information Pack
Closer to the survey date, we will send a comprehensive Parent and Carer Survey Information Pack to schools. This pack will include additional FAQs, providing further information and addressing any questions or queries you may have.
Need Help?
If you have any questions, please reach out to us by emailing shrn@cardiff.ac.uk. We are here to help and support you every step of the way!