Growing Up
in the 2020s
Growing up in the 2020s is a landmark national study, following the lives of young people as they move through secondary school.
On this website, you can find more information about the study including answers to common queries, what the study involves, what to expect next, and our contact details.
The Study
Growing Up in the 2020s is a national study following 8,000 Year 8 students, their families, and teachers.
The study is commissioned and funded by the Department for Education (DfE), and led by the organisation Anna Freud in partnership with University College London (UCL) and Ipsos.
This unique research explores what it’s like to grow up in the 2020s, giving insights into young people’s experiences at school, at home, and beyond. We can learn a lot by following the same group of young people over a number of years, such as how their experiences affect their education, wellbeing and futures.
By taking part, you’ll help build a picture of what life is like for young people today. The findings will shape policies and services to support young people and their families, by helping researchers, governments, and policymakers understand the challenges and opportunities of this generation.
Your participation can make a real impact—we hope to hear from you again!
The study series
Growing Up in the 2020s is part of an exciting series of national studies funded by the Department for Education (DfE) exploring childhood and adolescence, from birth through to young adulthood. The other studies in the series include:
- Children of the 2020s, which focuses on the development of children born in England in the early 2020s over their first five years of life. For more information, visit the UCL website.
- Five to Twelve, which follows children attending primary school in England in the 2020s. For more information, visit the NatCen website.
Growing Up in the 2020s focuses on young people during their secondary school years, providing unique insights into this critical stage of development.
What does the study involve?
Parents and young people who took part in an interview in 2025 will receive a letter inviting them to take part in the next phase of the study. We will also send reminders by email and text message if you gave us your details. Parents and young people will be invited to complete a short web survey.
We’ll ask young people about their friends, family and school. We also want to hear about how they’re feeling and what they like doing in their free time. There are no right or wrong answers – just be yourself. There is also a memory activity for young people to try.
We’ll ask parents about their child’s school and education, health and well-being, their relationship with their partner (if applicable), and their family circumstances. We’ll also check if there’s been any changes in who lives in the household since last year.
For common questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Future stages
We would like to ask participants to take part again around the time young people are in Years 11 and 12 so we can see how young people are getting on. We will get back in touch with you when it is time to take part again. Please get in touch with us if your contact details change.
Publications & press releases
Please visit the Anna Freud website for exciting updates on the study findings.
How you can get in touch
If you are a participant in the study, please quote your study reference number (you can find this at the top of the letter or email you have received from us).
Freephone
The opening times for the phone line are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
0800 182 2137
Post
You can also write to us at:
Growing Up in the 2020s
Ipsos
Links House
15 Links Place
Edinburgh
EH6 7EZ
To contact the Department for Education (DfE), you can call the main helpline on 0370 000 2288 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm), email team.longitudinal@education.gov.uk or submit your question online. You can also visit the DfE research page.