Parents call for stronger partnership with schools, says national survey

Parentkind's annual survey of more than 6,000 parents across the UK paints a clear picture: parents want to be active partners in their children's education, but many feel their voices are not being heard. One of the strongest messages from parents is a desire for greater involvement in school life. The survey found that 85% of parents would like to be more involved in their child's school, while nearly half (48%) would like to spend more time supporting learning at home. However, families report feeling less connected to education than they did just three years ago. In 2023, four in five parents said they felt involved in their child's education. By 2026, that figure had fallen to 59%, representing a significant decline in parental engagement.

For school leaders, the findings present both a challenge and an opportunity. Research highlighted in the report points to the positive impact of parental engagement on educational outcomes, with effective partnership between schools and families linked to improved learning and achievement.  

Communication remains a key area of focus. While most parents continue to have positive relationships with their schools, confidence appears to be slipping. The proportion of parents who believe their school communicates well has fallen from 71% in 2023 to 65% in 2026. Meanwhile, only 40% say their school acts on parent feedback, down from 47% three years ago.  

Parents are also calling for schools to listen more closely to their views. Just over half (53%) feel their school listens to parents, although experiences vary considerably between sectors. Primary schools perform more strongly, with 61% of parents feeling listened to, compared with 47% of parents of secondary-aged children.  

The survey suggests that secondary schools in particular may have an opportunity to strengthen relationships with families through more meaningful consultation, clear communication and greater opportunities for parent participation.

Financial pressures are another important theme running through the report. Parents highlighted concerns about school-related costs, including trips, activities and everyday expenses associated with education. Parentkind warns that lower-income families are being affected most severely by these pressures. Against this backdrop, parents are looking to schools not only for education but also for understanding and support. School leaders are encouraged to consider how policies, communications and enrichment opportunities can be designed with affordability and inclusion in mind.

Parentkind's response to the findings is a call for a stronger culture of parental engagement across the education system. The organisation argues that parental partnership should be seen as a fundamental part of school improvement rather than an optional extra. It is advocating for every school to adopt a structured approach to working with parents and for greater recognition of parental engagement within educational leadership and accountability frameworks.  

The message from parents is clear. They want to be involved, informed and listened to. They value schools that communicate openly, respond to feedback and create genuine opportunities for partnership. As schools continue to navigate educational, financial and social challenges, strengthening relationships with families may prove one of the most effective ways to support pupil success.

For school leaders, the findings serve as a reminder that parents remain one of the most important stakeholders in education. Building trust, improving communication and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement could help reverse the recent decline in parental involvement and deliver better outcomes for children across the UK.