Taking part

Five to Twelve is a national study of around 8,200 children attending primary school in England in the 2020s.

You can help us make an impact!

Five to Twelve is an exciting opportunity to be part of a national study following thousands of children and their families in England. We have selected a group of children who are currently in reception or year one at school to represent all children in their age group in England. By following them over time we can gain unique insights into how their different experiences shape their lives, both in early childhood and beyond.

Five to Twelve will have an impact on improving schools and other services for children, and by taking part you can make a difference too!

Please use the link below to access the different online surveys that make up this study:

Take the survey for mothers, fathers and carers

For parents and carers invited to complete an online survey

Independent schools

FAQs for teachers and school staff

Find answers to your questions about taking part as a member of staff at a school with participating Five to Twelve children

Similar studies

Studies similar to Five to Twelve have been running for many years, and have already had an impact on the lives of children and families.

Study of Early Education and Development (SEED)

This study began in 2013 and has followed almost 6,000 children in England, starting from age two. SEED focuses on how experiences and education in early childhood can shape long-term life outcomes. You can read more about the study and its findings here: https://www.seed.natcen.ac.uk/

Our Future (Longitudinal Study of Young People in England 2)

One of the largest long-term studies carried out in England, ‘Our Future’, has helped reveal issues affecting young people and provided information to help develop new policies that reach young people. For example, by looking at experiences on bullying, Our Future found a noticeable drop in the proportion of year 10 students who experienced bullying between 2005 and 2014. Our Future has also shown a link between being bullied in school and being more likely to play truant. You can read more on the study website, here: ourfuturestudy.co.uk

Children of the 90s (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children)

The Children of the 90s study, a large study following parents and children born in the Bristol area in the 1990s, found that anxiety levels doubled in young people following COVID-19 lockdown. This helped researchers understand more about how the pandemic impacted on young people’s experiences. You can read more on the study website here: bristol.ac.uk/alspac/

Millennium Cohort Study (Child of the New Century)

This longitudinal study follows around 19,000 young people across the UK who were born at the turn of the millennium. The study findings have been used in a range of different contexts. The study has shown, for example, links between children’s experiences at home (such as their bedtimes, and relationships with their parents) and their wider wellbeing and development. You can find out more on their website: cls.ucl.ac.uk/cls-studies/millennium-cohort-study