Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The Second Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE2), known to participants as Our Future, is a major longitudinal study following the lives and experiences of young people through their transition from compulsory education to post-16 routes. It began in 2013 and follows a nationally representative cohort who were aged 13/14 (Year 9) at the time of the first wave. The study tracks their transitions through education, training, employment, and other life domains up to age 21/22. To date, nine waves of data have been collected.LSYPE2 builds on the original LSYPE (Next Steps). It retains many of the same questions and methodological features to allow for cross-cohort comparisons, while also reflecting contemporary policy and social contexts. The study aims to provide a strategic evidence base on young people’s experiences, aspirations, and outcomes, with a focus on education, health, relationships, employment, and social participation.In Waves 1-3, data were collected from both young people and their parents, enabling analysis of family background and socio-economic influences. From Wave 4 onwards, interviews were conducted with young people only, using a mixed-mode approach (web, telephone, and face-to-face). The study also captured the impact of COVID-19 on young people's lives in later waves.The sample was drawn using a two-stage design, first selecting schools, then pupils. It also includes boosts for young people eligible for free school meals and those with special educational needs. Consent was obtained to link survey responses with administrative data from sources such as the National Pupil Database, HMRC, DWP, and Individualised Learner Records, enhancing the analytical potential of the dataset.
Main Topics:
The Second Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE2) provides rich, multi-dimensional data on the lives of young people as they transition from compulsory education into adulthood. The dataset covers a broad range of subject areas, enabling analysis across key domains of youth development and social policy. Key areas of subject coverage include: Education and Learning: School experiences, academic attainment, attitudes toward education, post-16 choices, and participation in further and higher education or training (e.g., apprenticeships).Employment and Economic Activity: Transitions into the labour market, job search behaviour, employment status, and early career experiences.Health and Wellbeing: Physical and mental health, health behaviours (e.g., smoking, alcohol use), and access to health services.Family and Household Context: Parental background, household composition, socio-economic status, and parental involvement in education (Waves 1-3).Social Relationships and Participation: Peer relationships, romantic relationships, civic engagement, volunteering, and use of leisure time.Aspirations and Attitudes: Future goals, perceptions of success, and attitudes toward work, education, and society.COVID-19 Impact: Disruption to education, employment, and wellbeing during the pandemic (captured in later waves). This comprehensive coverage allows researchers and policymakers to explore the interplay between personal, familial, and structural factors shaping young people’s life trajectories.
Multi-stage stratified random sample
Self-administered questionnaire: Web-based (CAWI)
Clinical measurements
Face-to-face interview: Computer-assisted (CAPI/CAMI)
Telephone interview: Computer-assisted (CATI)
