Back to all articles

Challenge Success Survey

Dr Ruth Phillips, Academic-in-Residence

At Frensham, we aim to truly understand and prioritise the wellbeing of our students, going beyond the clickbait headlines and developing a deep understanding of their needs.

In 2023 and 2024, we participated in the Challenge Success Survey, developed in collaboration with Stanford University’s Education Faculty, to gain deep insights into our students’ experiences with academic pressures, mental health, and overall wellbeing. We were fortunate to join forces with the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, enabling us to compare our results with schools globally and regionally, providing a broader perspective on the needs of our young people.

The results reflect Frensham’s values and moral purpose:

“Frensham’s values and educational ethos are based on the philosophical position that our moral purpose in life is to develop our talents and use them for the common good – to make a meaningful contribution to the world.”

Our students reported higher levels of social connection and optimism than their peers both regionally and internationally. They feel more confident, engaged, and capable, with stronger relationships and a greater sense of purpose.

When it comes to stress, Frensham students report significantly lower levels of stress, sleep deprivation, and academic exhaustion compared to students in other contexts. They describe their school as a unique, inclusive community that is both fun and strict.

An extraordinary 91% of our students feel they have a trusted adult at school they can turn to—a stark contrast to the 60% and 48% reported by students in other ICG schools and globally.

These findings underscore what makes Frensham truly special: where students are not just academically successful, but also emotionally healthy, socially connected, and ready to make a meaningful impact on the world.

At Frensham, we are proud to nurture the whole child—balancing intellectual rigor with compassion, community, and purpose.