Survey background

The Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England survey has been running since 1982. It is the government’s main source of information on alcohol, drug and tobacco use among young people in England.

This year the survey will collect information on the attitudes and experiences of more than 12,000 secondary school students. The survey asks students about their experiences of smoking (including vaping), drinking and taking drugs (and how they make choices about them).

Schools will have the opportunity to take part between September 2025 and February 2026.

The survey is being carried out by Ipsos, a leading market research organisation which has extensive experience of conducting surveys of young people. Ipsos have been commissioned to conduct the survey by NHS England. NHS England has a responsibility to collect, analyse and publish health data, including that on young people’s health. The survey is funded by the UK government.