ImpactEd Group · 2025
This large-scale national study surveyed over 81,000 pupils across 200 schools in England during the 2024–25 academic year to measure cognitive, emotional, and behavioural engagement. Key findings show that school enjoyment falls sharply at the Year 6–7 transition (average score dropping from 6.0 to 3.8), and continues to decline through secondary school. Disadvantaged pupils, White pupils, and girls (particularly around anxiety) show notably lower or worsening engagement scores, while higher engagement is strongly associated with lower persistent absence among secondary pupils.