Why we are doing the student voice survey#

There is currently no way for individual schools and the education system to collect information on students’ experience of school. This information is important as it can impact students’ attendance, engagement and achievement.

Evidence from New Zealand and internationally shows learning can be impacted by a number of socio-emotional factors. Understanding students’ different experiences of school can help inform improvements at schools and for the education system.

Who can take part in the survey#

The survey will be available to schools across New Zealand. Once it has been tested and approved, the survey will be rolled out later in 2026 and 2027.

The survey is voluntary. Information has been provided to parents and caregivers by schools. This includes the option for students to opt out of the survey, including during the survey itself.

How the survey was designed#

The themes and survey questions were co-designed in consultation with thousands of students and whānau | families in 2023 and 2024. We have now developed the topics into a set of common, reliable, valid, and easy-to-use questions

Outcomes of the 2024 survey#

Independent testing of the survey questions was done in April 2024. This included small group interviews and feedback sessions on the survey questions with a range of student groups.

Most of the students found the questions easy to understand and addressed the areas they thought were important. Any questions that were less clear to students have since been revised.

We are now working with a group of 40 schools to test the revised questions with students. We are also developing the reports that will be provided to schools for their use.

Survey tool for schools#

We are currently developing and testing a fully automated survey tool. Schools will be able to use it as often as they want. This gives them real-time insights into students' experience of their school.

Survey questions#

The survey asks students about their school experience and their sense of wellbeing at school.

The survey is anonymous and will not ask for any information that could identify individual students. It will not record names or contact information.

You can download the full list of survey questions below.

What the survey results will be used for#

Results from the survey will be used to identify what improvements can be made by schools or by us for different student groups.

The survey is focused on students' ability to share their wellbeing needs in a safe and anonymous way. Results will be used by school leaders and their communities to:

• monitor and improve student engagement
• look at how effective school actions and initiatives are
• understand student engagement over time.

What will happen to the survey data#

Protecting students' anonymity and privacy is a key priority.

An anonymous summary report of the data with some key guidance questions will be shared with participating schools. We will also produce an anonymous overall summary report.

All anonymous information collected from the survey will be kept safe.

Privacy statement for students#

We are collecting feedback from ākonga | students in Years 7 to 13 across New Zealand on their experiences in their school or kura. It is important that you know your responses are anonymous and private.

We will make sure the information you have entered into the survey secure and safe. Any responses you share with us in the student voice survey cannot be linked to you. Your responses cannot be traced back to you in any way.

More information about how we protect privacy is on the page below.

Legal and privacy

Available support if you have concerns#

The document below has information and contact details of services who can support you.