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Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS)

The Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS) is an annual Department of Education survey that captures students’ attitudes to and experiences at government schools.

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All government schools must participate in AtoSS, providing the opportunity for students from Year 4 to Year 12 to complete the survey. The survey provides data that helps the department understand student perspectives of their school and to improve the schooling experience.

Data collected includes how students feel in relation to their school, their learning, peer relationships, resilience, bullying, health and wellbeing, physical activity, and life in general.

AtoSS is aligned with the department’s Framework for Improving Student Outcomes 2.0. Data from the survey are used to inform school improvement and planning to support student learning and wellbeing.

2025 key findings

In 2025, over 380,000 Victorian students in Years 4 to 12 from 1,541 schools participated in AtoSS, representing 85% of eligible students.

Key findings

2025 data snapshots

Download the data snapshot to see more key findings from the survey:

Previous data snapshots

2024 case studies

Learn how Carrum Primary School and Lyndale Secondary have incorporated the Student Attitudes to School Survey into their schools.

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Carrum Primary School surveys students throughout the year to understand what their needs are.

Classroom teachers then talk through the results with students and look at what can be done to improve their engagement with their learning.

The regular checking in is reflected in the school’s annual Student Attitudes to School Survey results, which this year showed that students feel really engaged in learning, they have adults at the school that they can talk to (teachers and education support staff) if they have any concerns, and they have a stimulating learning environment.

“I have lots of choice of what to do in class,” said school leader and Year 6 student Avery.

“We get to work sometimes with our friends and sometimes with other people who help us to do our best work at school.”

“Junior School Council did a survey of the students that showed that most students felt that there has been extra support added in each classroom,” added Avery’s fellow school leader and Year 6 student Jude.

School Principal Clem Langford said the regular surveys meant school staff could better understand and cater to individual student needs.

He said teachers also completed professional learning enabling them to build strong relationships with students, including building consistent daily routines to support students.

“The surveys make it clear to the students that we value their opinions,” he said.

“It’s about building a strong relationship across the whole school community — with the students and with their families.

“This helps create a sense of belonging because the students know that everyone is working together to help them achieve.”

Living the school values of respect, resilience and responsibility is at the core of Lyndale Secondary College’s stellar Attitudes to School Survey results.

This year’s results indicated that students felt supported, engaged, and connected and reflected the school’s positive learning environment.

“Students at this school respect their teachers because they take the time to get to know you as a person, not just a learner” College Year 9 student Ruby said.

“Collaboration is strong at Lyndale. We feel confident to share our ideas and experiences with our peers and staff because of the trust we have in each other," said Year 12 student Amar.

College Principal Pam Robinson said one of the key reasons for the school’s success was its commitment to following consistent, clearly communicated high expectations across all areas of school life.

“I am incredibly proud of our achievements and growth,” Ms Robinson said.

“Everything we do reflects our school’s core values of respect, resilience, and responsibility, which we see as the foundation for personal growth and achievement.

“These values guide not only our daily interactions but also our broader approach to education. “Respect ensures that every student feels valued and heard, resilience encourages them to persist through challenges, and responsibility empowers them to take ownership of their learning and actions.”

Further resources

More information

For more information about AtoSS, please refer to Data Collection and Surveys or email school.surveys@education.vic.gov.au

Education & training

Updated 27 March 2026

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