A new survey has outlined hundreds of secondary students’ honest reflections on their experiences at school.
NAB’s 2026 Education Insights Report: Life at School, found that overall school enjoyment declined in 2025 after a modest rebound in 2024, but students reported improved academic performance across most subjects, particularly in English, Maths, and Science.
Negative behaviours were recorded to be rising, with greater incidence and exposure to both physical bullying and cyberbullying.
Streaming also continues to increase, with 60 per cent of students now placed in ability-based classes.
Teacher impact was shown to remain critical, with students valuing those who combine strong subject knowledge with the ability to foster an engaging, supportive classroom environment.
The survey represents 400 secondary school students across Australia, spanning every year level and a mix of public, Catholic, and independent schools.
Mr Dean Pearson, NAB’s Head of Behavioural Economics, says that although the research shows many young people are under real pressure, they are also “remarkably adaptable, thoughtful, and hopeful” – an encouraging message for schools.
“It suggests students are not defined by crisis, but by their capacity to respond when they are supported by adults, trusted relationships and environments that help them feel safe, capable and understood.”
Mr Pearson also noted that students consistently describe schools as places that can provide structure, encouragement, support and belonging.
“They value calm and caring teachers, stronger wellbeing support, practical life skills, fair discipline and more personalised learning. That is a positive message for school leaders: it shows that students see schools not just as places of academic pressure, but as places of protection, guidance and possibility,” he says.
