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1. Introduction

1.1 This Report

This State of the Nation Report explores the findings from the Sport Wales 2022 School Sport Survey. The School Sport Survey is one of the largest, per capita opportunities in the world for young people to have their say on sport. This year (2022) over 116,000 pupils responded, from 1,000 schools. The survey took place from 28th March 2022 to 22nd July 2022.

The School Sport Survey is a national survey of pupils from years 3 to 11, looking into attitudes, behaviours and opportunities for young people in sport. The survey is key to understanding who, where, and how often young people participate in, and have a demand for, sport(s). Teachers are also offered the opportunity to share their views on school sport provision and the support they need to deliver it. The results of the survey allow Sport Wales, schools, local authorities, sports and the wider sector to shape the future of sport, in line with the voices of young people. This report contains key data that can help to better understand the sporting landscape for young people across Wales, providing a base of evidence from which to shape policy and practice.

1.2 Methodology of the School Sport Survey

The School Sport Survey is delivered online. Survey links are provided to every school in Wales, which are in turn shared with pupils in a classroom environment. Guidance is also provided to teachers to assist their pupils, should they need to. 

This year, for the first time, the entire participation (pupil) survey was offered to all pupils in Easy Read format, giving an equal voice to everyone. Easy Read is a method of presenting written information to make it easier to understand for people with difficulty reading. The Easy Read design includes image aids, larger and simpler font and adequate and appropriate spacing. This key change upholds our commitment to producing a more accessible and simpler to complete survey.

1.3 Important to know

Independent school data has not been included within this report due to the lower numbers of pupils from these schools taking part. 

Low numbers at regional and local authority levels mean that special school data is also excluded at these levels. However, special school data is included at the national level.

Percentages are rounded to the nearest percent; and population the nearest thousand. 

Any references to differences or similarities throughout are statistically significant.