3000 Voices: Growing up in South East London

A major new report has captured the views of 3,000 children and young people across south east London, providing a valuable insight into their wellbeing and experiences of growing up

The study – 3000 Voices: Growing up in South East London – was carried out by the LASER Education Foundation, part of the newly renamed Elevare Civic Education Group.

Learners from across the Group’s schools and multi-campus college – aged 6 to 19, as well as 19–24-year-olds within specialist SEND provision – took part in the survey. Researchers used both quantitative and qualitative methods, including questionnaires, workshops and interviews, to build a rich and accurate picture of young people’s lives.

The report highlights the particular challenges faced by looked after children, LGBTQ+ young people and learners with SEND. Targeted support around mental health, family wellbeing and careers mentoring are among the key priorities identified.

Findings have been shared with local partners and stakeholders, with a roundtable discussion already held to explore the implications and identify opportunities for joint action.

These insights will also be used to directly shape the LASER Education Foundation’s future priorities and programmes, ensuring that support and investment are guided by what young people themselves have said matters most.

Key findings include:

• Loved and cared for: Most young people (87%) said they live with people who make them feel loved – a strong foundation of care and support. However, this figure falls for looked after children and those who do not identify as male or female, highlighting groups who need extra attention

• Family support: Over four in five (82%) felt their families had what they needed to support them. Yet for young people from lower-income families, LGBTQ+ learners and those studying English as a second language (ESOL), this support was less secure, showing where additional help could make a real difference

• Someone to talk to: A reassuring 78% reported having someone supportive in their lives, underlining the importance of trusted relationships. But there was a large drop of 30% in the percentage who agreed between the ages of 11 and 12/13, which is likely to be affected by the transition from primary to secondary school. Also learners with additional needs or in care were less likely to feel this, pointing to areas where more focus is required

• Education and aspirations: Three-quarters praised their teachers, reflecting the strength of relationships in schools and colleges. At the same time, many voiced worries about exams and careers – demonstrating both ambition and the need for sustained guidance as they plan for the future

• Wellbeing gaps: The majority reported positive wellbeing, but around one in five young people fell into the lowest wellbeing groups – a reminder that targeted support is vital to ensure no child feels left behind Dr Sam Parrett CBE, CEO of Elevare Civic Education Group, said: “We asked young people to tell us about their lives, their challenges and their hopes – and they have been incredibly clear. This report gives us a strong mandate to act, and we will be using their voices to shape the priorities of the LASER Education Foundation. By sharing these findings with our partners, we can work together to make sure every child and young person in south east London has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The full report is available on our LASER Education Foundation website: www.lasereducation.org.uk