The Happy Schools Index is helping schools across the country listen to pupils, recognise what's working and make informed decisions about what to strengthen next.
Every school has a picture of how its pupils are doing. Attendance, attainment and behaviour all tell us something important.
But what about how children experience their lives?
Do they feel they belong? Are they hopeful about their future? Do they feel connected to the people around them? And what are schools already doing that makes a positive difference?
These are questions worth asking, not just when something goes wrong, but as part of understanding what helps children grow and thrive.
Introducing the Happy Schools Index
Launched by BounceTogether in September 2026, the Happy Schools Index is a free national initiative giving schools a simple way to hear directly from pupils about their lives.
Available across primary, secondary and other education phases, the Index is straightforward to use. Schools sign up, select their education phase and share a link with pupils.
Results are available immediately, helping schools identify strengths, celebrate what is working and recognise where further attention might make a difference.
There is also a version for school staff, recognising that the experiences of adults matter too.
See how it works
Watch this short introduction to discover how schools can take part and start listening to what pupils are telling them.
The Happy Schools Index — free for every school.
Listening is just the beginning
At Bounce Forward, we have spent almost twenty years helping schools develop the psychological fitness of children and young people, alongside the adults and environments that shape their experiences.
We believe children shouldn't have to become unwell before we become interested in how they are doing or what might help them meet life well.
And we believe that understanding what is already going well is just as important as identifying what needs attention.
Build What Lasts
This is where our collective work with BounceTogether, Build What Lasts, comes in.
Together, Bounce Forward and BounceTogether connect listening to understanding, practical action and ongoing learning, helping schools build on what matters.
The Happy Schools Index provides an accessible starting point for listening. From there, schools can explore what their findings mean, recognise what is worth protecting, and make thoughtful decisions about what to strengthen.
Because meaningful change doesn't begin with assuming what's wrong. It begins with understanding people's experiences.
Find out what's working. Build on what matters.
Schools don't necessarily need another initiative. They need to understand the experiences of the people within their community, recognise what they already do well, and make thoughtful decisions about what to protect or strengthen.
Whether you are just beginning to explore pupils' experiences or already have a strong understanding of your school community, the Happy Schools Index offers another valuable way to listen.
What are your pupils telling you?
Join schools across the country using the free Happy Schools Index to listen, celebrate strengths and understand what matters most.
Explore the Happy Schools IndexFree anonymous participation for schools.
