eir child receives – but are less confident in the overall quality of free to attend schools in their country VF Parents’ 4 Survey 2018 Parents across the world have high confidence in the quality of teaching their child receives – but are less confident in the overall quality of free to attend schools in their country • Parents’ confidence in the quality of teaching at their children’s schools is high globally, with 78% rating it good or very good. However, when parents were asked about the quality of free to attend schools in their country in general, they were far less confident with only 45% of parents surveyed rating them as good. • There is little relationship between how good parents think their child’s teaching is, and how good the education outcomes in their country are, as measured by the PISA international educational rankings. Parents in South Korea (43%) and Japan (60%), two countries which excel in the PISA rankings, are among the least confident in the quality of their child’s teaching. In December 2017, the Varkey Foundation commissioned Ipsos Mori to carry out the most comprehensive global study of the hopes, fears and aspirations of parents across the world. This report summarises the main findings.

1. GLOBAL
PARENTS’ SURVEY

2. About the Varkey Foundation
The Varkey Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established to
improve the standards of education for underprivileged children
throughout the world. Our mission is to help provide every child with a
good teacher. We work towards this by building teacher capacity,
mounting advocacy campaigns to promote excellence in teaching
practice at the highest levels of policymaking, and providing grants to
partner organisations that offer innovative solutions in support of our
mission.
The Varkey Foundation is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under charity number
1145119 and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under company number 07774287.
Registered Office: 2nd Floor, St Albans, 57-59 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4QX
Copyright © The Varkey Foundation, 2017. www.varkeyfoundation.org. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be
reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission of Varkey Foundation. The Varkey Foundation has
invested a great deal of time, resource and effort into this report. We welcome its citation and use for non-commercial
purposes, and ask that you credit the Varkey Foundation where you do use our data and/or our conclusions. If you have any
questions about the report, any of its findings, please feel free to contact info@varkeyfoundation.org.
GLOBAL
PARENTS’ SURVEY

3. VF Parents
Survey 2018 3
#VFParentsSurvey
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
METHODOLOGY 9
QUALITY OF EDUCATION 10
TIME HELPING WITH EDUCATION 27
PLURALISM IN EDUCATION PROVISION 38
OPTIMISM FOR THE FUTURE 53
CONTENTS

4. VF Parents
Survey 20184
#VFParentsSurvey
Parents across the world have high
confidence in the quality of teaching
their child receives – but are less
confident in the overall quality of free to
attend schools in their country
VF Parents’
Survey 20184
Parents across the world have high confidence
in the quality of teaching their child receives –
but are less confident in the overall quality of
free to attend schools in their country
• Parents’ confidence in the quality of teaching at their children’s schools is
high globally, with 78% rating it good or very good. However, when parents
were asked about the quality of free to attend schools in their country in
general, they were far less confident with only 45% of parents surveyed
rating them as good.
• There is little relationship between how good parents think their child’s
teaching is, and how good the education outcomes in their country are,
as measured by the PISA international educational rankings. Parents in
South Korea (43%) and Japan (60%), two countries which excel in the
PISA rankings, are among the least confident in the quality of their child’s
teaching.
In December 2017, the Varkey Foundation
commissioned Ipsos Mori to carry out the most
comprehensive global study of the hopes, fears and
aspirations of parents across the world. This report
summarises the main findings.
We are separately publishing reports for each
country polled, and all the raw data is available
on our website, varkeyfoundation.org for any third
party to use and build on.
The report makes a number of conclusions.
Global Parents’
Survey 20184
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

5. VF Parents
Survey 2018 5
VF Parents’
Survey 2018 5
#VFParentsSurvey
Parents recognise that teachers are the most
important part of what makes a good school
• If there were additional funds available for their child’s school, the survey
showed that most parents would want them spent on teachers. Half (50%)
of parents listed either more teachers or better pay for existing teachers
as being among their top priorities. This is compared with 46% who would
spend additional funds for their child’s school on computers/technology,
44% for extracurricular activities, 37% for support staff, 37% for resources,
and 34% for buildings and other facilities
• The most important factor for parents when choosing their child’s school,
alongside location, is the quality of teachers, with 45% of parents worldwide
who had a choice of schools selecting it as one of their top three criteria
- consistent across both parents of children at primary and secondary
schools.
Most parents do think schools are preparing
children well for the future, but views on the
importance of university are mixed. Parents’
worries are more about their child’s economic
prospects than global threats such as climate
change or terrorism
• Almost two-thirds (64%) of parents believe their child’s school is preparing
them well for the world of 2030 and beyond. This belief was held most
strongly in some Asian countries, particularly India and Indonesia. African
and Latin American parents surveyed were generally more likely to
believe that their children were being prepared well than parents in most
Europeans countries surveyed
• Parents’ biggest concerns about their children’s futures globally remain
bread and butter issues - 42% listed getting a job and having a successful
career as among their top three anxieties for their child’s future. Money and
the cost of living was the second biggest concern (34%). Far fewer parents
were concerned about global threats such as terrorism (16%) or climate
change (14%).
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 5

6. VF Parents
Survey 20186
#VFParentsSurvey
Parents across the world have high
confidence in the quality of teaching
their child receives – but are less
confident in the overall quality of free to
attend schools in their country
VF Parents’
Survey 20186
• Forty percent of parents worldwide consider it extremely important their
child attends university, but Latin Americans are far more determined
about university than most. A high number of Indian parents also consider
university extremely important. European parents, however, place
considerably less importance on university attendance.
Parents in emerging markets spend far more
time helping their child with their education out
of school than parents in established economies.
Most parents, particularly younger ones, are in
favour of a pluralist approach to where and how
their children are educated
• While a quarter (25%) of parents worldwide spend 7 or more hours a week
helping their children with their education, this figure rises to 62% in India,
50% in Vietnam and 39% in Colombia. Parents in established economies
are spending less time, with only 5% spending 7 or more hours a week in
Finland, 10% in France and Japan, and 11% in the UK.
• Fifty-five percent of parents globally whose child attends a free to attend
school would be fairly likely or very likely to send their child to a fee-paying
school if they could afford it and there was an appropriate place available.
61% of parents worldwide approve of education vouchers with support
generally higher in lower income and emerging countries
• Support for pluralism in education providers is universally higher among
the younger and better educated. Younger and better educated parents
would be more likely to send their child to a fee-paying if they could afford
it and there was an appropriate place available and are also more likely
to approve of parent groups, groups of teachers, private companies, and
religious institutions, running free to attend schools, and to be more in
favour of education vouchers.
VF Parents’
Survey 20186
Global Parents’
Survey 20186

7. VF Parents
Survey 2018 7
VF Parents’
Survey 2018 7
#VFParentsSurvey
VF Parents’
Survey 2018 7

8. VF Parents
Survey 20188
METHODOLOGY

9. VF Parents
Survey 2018 9
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 9
On behalf of the Varkey Foundation, Ipsos MORI
interviewed 27,380 parents across 29 countries
using an online survey via the Ipsos Online
Panel system* between the 8th December 2017
and 15th January 2018. These countries were:
Argentina
India
Singapore
Australia
Indonesia
South Africa
Brazil
Italy
South Korea
Canada
Japan
Spain
China
Kenya**
Turkey
Colombia
Malaysia
Uganda**
Estonia**
Mexico
United Kingdom
Finland
Peru
United States
France
Poland
Vietnam
Germany
Russia
*In countries where Ipsos Online Panel System had low coverage, local panel providers who were members of ESOMAR
were used instead.
**These countries are relatively underdeveloped in terms of online surveying, and therefore contained a lower sample to
avoid over-representing the relatively small online population
Results contain 1,000 interviews
from all countries except Estonia
(500), Kenya (501) and Uganda (371).
Data has been weighted by age,
gender and region of child and
corrected for gender of parent.
As such, the survey is representative
of parents of children aged 4-18
in education, based on these
characteristics, with equal views from
mothers and fathers.
All countries contribute equally to
the total global average. Data has
not been adjusted for the relative
size of population.
The survey was conducted online.
For countries where internet
penetration is low (such as India,
Uganda, Kenya, Peru and Indonesia),
it is important to note that the data
is representative of the urban online
population, which tends to be better
educated and financially better off.

10. Global Parents’
Survey 201810
01. QUALITY OF
EDUCATION

11. How would you rate
the quality of teaching
at your child’s current
school?
11ic
PISA
2015*
N/A
496
N/A
534
509
531
510
403
401
N/A
528
475
416
556
N/A
493
N/A
481
N/A
495
525
416
501
N/A
397
425
538
509
487
5165%
8%
8%
7%
6%
2%
5%
8%
2%
2%
5%
5%
6%
2%
3%
14%
3%
1%
4%
5%
5%
4%
1%
5%
3%
4%
3%
5%
3%
2%
43%
48%
57%
61%
72%
75%
75%
75%
76%
77%
78%
78%
78%
78%
79%
80%
80%
83%
84%
84%
84%
85%
86%
86%
87%
87%
87%
87%
91%
92%
South Korea
Russia
Germany
Japan
Turkey
Peru
Malaysia
Poland
Mexico
Vietnam
France
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Italy
China
Spain
Uganda
Singapore
Colombia
Argentina
Canada
South Africa
Brazil
Indonesia
Australia
Finland
United Kingdom
Estonia
India
United States
Kenya
% rating quality as 'fairly poor'/'very poor' % rating quality as 'fairly good'/'very good'
rate the quality
ur child’s
e in the quality of
hildren’s schools
h 78% rating it
y good.’
not always align
e 2015
formance/share of top performers
/economies with a share of low
e OECD average
an performance/share of top
ignificantly different from the OECD
ge
formance/share of top performers
/economies with a share of low
e OECD average
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation,
conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 11
Parents’ confidence in the quality of teaching at their children’s schools is high
globally, with 78% rating it ‘fairly good’ or ‘very good.’
However, this does not always align to PISA rankings.
Countries/economies with a
mean performance/share of top
performers above the OECD
average; countries/economies with
a share of low achievers below the
OECD average
Countries/economies with a
mean performance/share of top
performers/share of low achievers
not significantly different from the
OECD average
Countries/economies with a
mean performance/share of top
performers below the OECD average;
countries/economies with a share of
low achievers above the
OECD average
*Mean science score in PISA Science 2015
#VFParentsSurvey

12. Global Parents’
Survey 201812
12c
1%
1%
1%
1%
2%
4%
4%
4%
5%
5%
5%
5%
6%
6%
6%
7%
7%
7%
8%
8%
11%
13%
18%
7%
6%
5%
2%
2%
1%
1%
Mexico
Russia
Vietnam
Peru
Indonesia
Japan
Colombia
China
Singapore
India
Spain
Argentina
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Australia
Canada
United States
United Kingdom
Estonia
Finland
Germany
Kenya
Turkey
Brazil
South Africa
Malaysia
France
Italy
Uganda
Poland
South Korea
Difference between rating % 'good' for primary and % 'good' for secondary school
Child at
primary
school
Child at
secondary
school
51% 33%
81% 68%
83% 72%
82% 74%
82% 74%
78% 71%
87% 80%
88% 81%
75% 69%
94% 88%
61% 55%
89% 84%
90% 85%
90% 85%
94% 89%
86% 82%
88% 84%
80% 76%
85% 83%
79% 78%
88% 87%
81% 80%
79% 78%
82% 83%
60% 61%
85% 87%
74% 76%
74% 79%
45% 51%
73% 80%
Base: Parents of children in primary schools (14464), parents of children in secondary schools (12916). Research commissioned
by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Primary higherSecondary higherate the quality
ur child’s
parents of
schools are
those with
ary schools.
nt in South
Uganda.
se is true in
Vietnam.
In most countries, parents of children at primary schools are more positive than those
with children at secondary schools.
This is most apparent in South Korea, Poland and Uganda. However the reverse is
true in Mexico, Russia and Vietnam.
How would you rate the
quality of teaching at your
child’s current school?
by phase
#VFParentsSurvey

13. How would you rate the
quality of teaching at your
child’s current school?
by type of school
13al - Public
3%
4%
5%
6%
6%
7%
8%
8%
10%
10%
10%
11%
12%
13%
13%
14%
14%
17%
19%
20%
23%
23%
24%
29%
58%
12%
8%
3%
1%
0%
South Korea
Estonia
Finland
China
Singapore
United Kingdom
Australia
Indonesia
Canada
Kenya
Malaysia
United States
Japan
France
Russia
India
Spain
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Peru
Vietnam
Poland
Argentina
Colombia
Italy
Brazil
Germany
Mexico
Turkey
South Africa
Uganda
Difference between rating % 'good' for free to attend school and % 'good' for fee paying school
Child at free
to attend
Child at fee
paying
32% 90%
60% 89%
67% 91%
67% 90%
56% 79%
76% 96%
76% 95%
74% 91%
77% 91%
74% 88%
67% 80%
66% 79%
73% 85%
76% 87%
79% 89%
47% 57%
76% 86%
59% 67%
90% 98%
73% 80%
87% 93%
83% 89%
83% 88%
85% 89%
87% 90%
80% 80%
79% 78%
87% 84%
88% 80%
48% 36%
Base: Parents of children in free to attend schools (16767), parents of children in fee paying schools (10002).
Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Fee paying higherFree to attend higherou rate the
ching at your
school?
ool
es, parents of
paying schools give
or quality of
hose with children
d schools.
gapore, China,
and South Korea,
ren at fee paying
more positive.
In most countries, parents of children at fee paying schools give higher ratings for
quality of teaching than those with children at free to attend schools.
However, in Singapore, China, Finland, Estonia and South Korea, those with children
at fee paying schools are no more positive.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 13
#VFParentsSurvey

14. Global Parents’
Survey 201814
Global Parents’
Survey 201814
14- Public
38%
35%
66%
38%
54%
28%
51%
28%
24%
12%
31%
34%
15%
30%
23%
24%
34%
14%
18%
24%
16%
10%
9%
17%
10%
13%
12%
5%
4%
3%
14%
18%
20%
24%
25%
27%
28%
30%
30%
33%
34%
34%
36%
39%
39%
45%
47%
47%
51%
51%
55%
56%
58%
62%
68%
69%
69%
73%
78%
90%
Peru
Mexico
Uganda
Turkey
South Africa
Russia
Brazil
Colombia
Germany
South Korea
Italy
Argentina
Japan
France
Spain
GLOBAL AVERAGE
India
Vietnam
Poland
Kenya
Malaysia
Indonesia
China
United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
Singapore
Estonia
Finland
% rating quality as 'fairly poor'/'very poor' % rating quality as 'fairly good'/'very good'
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
u rate the quality
d government-
s in your country?
e views of their own
ly 45% of parents
e quality of free to
their country as
ery good’.
f parents from
frica and Brazil rate
ucation as ‘fairly
or’.
In contrast to the views of their own child’s school, only 45% of parents surveyed rate
the quality of free to attend schools in their country as ‘fairly good’ or ‘very good’.
More than half of parents from Uganda, South Africa and Brazil rate the quality of
education as ‘fairly poor’ or ‘very poor’.
How would you rate the quality
of free to attend government-
funded schools in your country?
#VFParentsSurvey

15. How would you rate the quality
of free to attend government-
funded schools in your country?
by phase
15ublic
Child at
primary
school
Child at
secondary
school
38% 26%
29% 20%
29% 20%
54% 47%
41% 36%
70% 65%
64% 60%
33% 29%
57% 53%
36% 33%
59% 56%
28% 26%
46% 44%
35% 33%
57% 55%
48% 47%
28% 27%
37% 36%
47% 46%
69% 68%
14% 14%
68% 69%
90% 91%
29% 30%
72% 74%
38% 41%
16% 19%
18% 22%
75% 80%
48% 58%
0%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
2%
2%
2%
2%
3%
3%
4%
4%
4%
5%
5%
7%
9%
9%
12%
10%
5%
4%
3%
3%
2%
1%
1%
1%
Kenya
Estonia
Uganda
Mexico
Spain
Singapore
Colombia
Finland
Australia
Peru
Canada
India
Japan
Brazil
Vietnam
Indonesia
Italy
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Russia
China
Argentina
Malaysia
Germany
United States
United Kingdom
France
Poland
Turkey
South Africa
South Korea
Difference between rating % good for primary and % good for secondary school
Primary higherSecondary higher
Base: Parents of children in primary schools (14464), parents of children in secondary schools (12916).
Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
rate the quality
d government-
in your country?
n is also important
el.
parents with
y school are more
e with children at
.
Phase of education is also important at the national level.
In most countries, parents with children at primary school are more positive than
those with children at secondary schools.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 15
#VFParentsSurvey

16. Global Parents’
Survey 201816
How would you rate the quality of
free to attend government-funded
schools in your country?
by school
16c
8%
8%
9%
10%
11%
12%
12%
12%
13%
13%
13%
14%
14%
14%
15%
16%
17%
17%
18%
18%
22%
22%
22%
22%
26%
30%
30%
30%
4%
3%
United States
Vietnam
Italy
Mexico
Singapore
Turkey
Germany
Uganda
Japan
Poland
Malaysia
Kenya
Brazil
Russia
China
Canada
South Korea
Indonesia
Spain
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Peru
Estonia
Colombia
Argentina
Australia
Finland
South Africa
France
United Kingdom
India
Difference between rating % good for free to attend school and % good for fee paying school
Child at free
to attend
Child at fee
paying
73% 43%
70% 40%
44% 14%
47% 21%
91% 69%
45% 23%
77% 55%
42% 20%
79% 61%
26% 8%
52% 35%
44% 27%
67% 51%
39% 24%
71% 57%
63% 49%
28% 14%
34% 21%
61% 48%
59% 46%
52% 40%
38% 26%
29% 17%
32% 21%
27% 17%
78% 69%
21% 13%
35% 27%
45% 48%
62% 66%
Free to attend higherFee paying higher
Base: Parents of children in free to attend schools (16767), parents of children in fee paying schools (10002).
Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
ate the quality of
vernment-funded
ountry?
d States and
with a child at a free
e more positive
f free to attend
r country.
ost apparent in
rance.
In all but the United States and Vietnam, parents with a child at a free to attend school
are more positive about the quality of free to attend schools across their country.
This difference is most apparent in India, the UK and France.
#VFParentsSurvey

17. Do you think the standard
of education in your country
has become better or worse
over the last 10 years?
17al - Public
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
72%
70%
70%
68%
68%
65%
65%
57%
49%
48%
41%
41%
40%
39%
37%
36%
36%
35%
31%
29%
28%
27%
25%
24%
21%
21%
20%
20%
19%
8%
10%
17%
16%
10%
9%
23%
13%
17%
16%
27%
20%
18%
19%
24%
18%
10%
11%
21%
26%
25%
27%
27%
23%
18%
21%
31%
6%
18%
24%
17%
17%
12%
12%
14%
23%
9%
21%
16%
32%
24%
38%
41%
37%
30%
40%
52%
53%
33%
42%
41%
33%
39%
49%
56%
56%
25%
72%
59%
52%
70%
1%
1%
3%
7%
0%
3%
1%
10%
2%
2%
2%
0%
4%
6%
6%
2%
1%
10%
1%
6%
11%
7%
3%
3%
2%
23%
1%
3%
6%
6%
India
China
Singapore
Indonesia
Kenya
South Korea
Vietnam
Estonia
Malaysia
Peru
Colombia
Uganda
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Finland
United States
Brazil
Turkey
Australia
Mexico
Poland
United Kingdom
Canada
Spain
Argentina
Italy
Japan
South Africa
Russia
Germany
France
% rating education as 'better' % rating education as 'the same' % rating education as 'worse' Don't knowhe standard of
our country has
r or worse over
ars?
s are deeply divided
standards of
got better or worse
years.
ion of Japan, parents
most positive about
me. Some of the
c parents are in the
untries.
Globally, parents are deeply divided about whether standards of education have
got better or worse over the last 10 years. With the exception of Japan, parents in
Asia are the most positive about changes over time. Some of the most pessimistic
parents are in the big European countries.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 17
#VFParentsSurvey

18. VF Parents
Survey 201818
Do you think the standard of
education in your country has
become better or worse over
the last 10 years?
by age
18c
41%
36%
31%
34%
41%
48%
Parent aged 45+
Parent aged 35-44
Parent aged 18-34
% rating standard of education as 'worse' % rating standard of education as 'better'
Highest %
worse
Highest %
better
France
(65%)
China
(76%)
South
Africa
(76%)
Kenya
(77%)
South
Africa
(86%)
India
(72%);
Singapore
(72%)
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
standard of
r country has
r worse over
?
increases with
of those aged 18-
on has got better
4% of those aged
Parents’ pessimism increases with age.Close to half (48%) of those aged 18-
34 believe education has got better compared to just 34% of those aged 45+.
Global Parents’
Survey 201818
#VFParentsSurvey

19. Global Parents’
Survey 2018 19
% rating free to attend
schools nationally as ‘good’
vs. % schools have got ‘better’
schools in your country?
19al - Public
GLOBAL AVERAGE
United Kingdom
Germany
United States
France
Italy
Japan
Poland
Brazil
Russia
Turkey
China
Mexico
Australia
Canada
Colombia
Peru
Argentina
Kenya
Uganda
Estonia
South Africa
South Korea
Singapore
Malaysia
Finland
India
IndonesiaVietnam
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
%whothinkstandardofeducationhasgotbetter
% rating free to attend schools as good/very good
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Currently bad but has got better Currently good and has got better
Currently good but has not got betterCurrently bad and not got better
Spain
o attend schools
good’ vs. %
got ‘better’
irection of travel in
ucation varies greatly
d economies are
rents to be either
orming below
th no improvement
The perceived direction of travel in standards of education varies greatly
by country. Most established economies are perceived by parents to be either
stagnant or performing below expectations with no improvement over time.
#VFParentsSurvey

20. Global Parents’
Survey 201820
Which of the following
statements best describes
your experience of choosing
your child’s current school?
20c
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
76%
72%
69%
68%
68%
67%
66%
66%
62%
62%
61%
60%
59%
59%
57%
57%
57%
55%
55%
54%
52%
52%
50%
49%
49%
48%
48%
43%
42%
29%
12%
11%
19%
24%
16%
10%
12%
21%
20%
18%
13%
11%
25%
31%
17%
16%
17%
21%
20%
10%
11%
29%
6%
6%
24%
28%
7%
5%
21%
8%
10%
14%
8%
7%
14%
20%
20%
7%
15%
19%
23%
28%
15%
8%
25%
23%
23%
15%
11%
31%
33%
17%
42%
41%
27%
23%
42%
50%
35%
57%
1%
2%
3%
1%
3%
3%
2%
5%
2%
1%
3%
1%
1%
2%
1%
3%
3%
9%
14%
6%
3%
2%
3%
5%
1%
1%
4%
3%
3%
7%
Mexico
United Kingdom
Peru
India
Spain
Australia
Italy
Indonesia
Malaysia
South Africa
Poland
Russia
Kenya
Singapore
China
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Estonia
Germany
Uganda
Canada
Finland
Turkey
Vietnam
United States
France
South Korea
Japan
% who got first choice out of multiple options % who did not get first choice out of multiple options % who had only one option % don't knowowing
describes your
oosing your
hool?
a choice in
r child to school.
ave a choice,
irst choice.
s greatly by
t to Mexico
ers (76%) got their
arents in Japan
n to choose from.
Not all parents had a choice in where to send their child to school. Of those who did
have a choice, most did get their first choice. However this varies greatly by country.
In contrast to Mexico where three quarters (76%) got their first choice, most parents
in Japan only had one option to choose from.
#VFParentsSurvey

21. Which of the following, if any,
were the most important
factors when choosing your
child’s current school?
21al - Public
45%
45%
30%
30%
27%
25%
21%
19%
14%
Quality of teachers
Location or distance from
home
A happy environment for
children at the school
Academic record/exam
results of the school
School ethos (the values
and culture of the school)
Quality of facilities
Approach to behaviour and
discipline
The cost of attending
Extent to which they listen
to/consider wishes of
children
% lowest % highest
Japan
(19%)
Russia
(69%)
Uganda
(24%)
Spain
(63%)
Uganda
(12%)
South Korea
(53%)
Indonesia
(14%)
United
Kingdom
(44%)
Vietnam
(12%)
China
(50%)
Estonia
(7%)
Vietnam
(40%)
Japan
(8%)
Malaysia
(30%)
Estonia
(6%)
Uganda (29%)
South Africa
(5%)
Finland
(53%)
Base: All parents who had more than one school from which to choose (20072). Research commissioned by the
Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Global results, % selected as either 1st,2nd or 3rd choice
ollowing, if any,
t important factors
g your child’s
l?
ho did have a choice of
st important factor for
hoosing their child’s
e location, is the
ers.
ties do vary by country.
Finland, consideration
children is the second
factor behind location
Among those who did have a choice of schools, the most important factor for
parents when choosing their child’s school, alongside location, is the quality
of teachers. However, priorities do vary by country. For example, in Finland,
consideration of the wishes of children is the second most important factor
behind location
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 21
#VFParentsSurvey

22. VF Parents
Survey 201822
Which of the following, if any,
were the most important
factors when choosing your
child’s current school?
22c
Base: All parents who had more than one school from which to choose (20072). Research commissioned by the
Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
19%
24%
28%
29%
35%
36%
36%
37%
40%
41%
41%
43%
43%
44%
45%
45%
45%
46%
49%
50%
51%
51%
52%
54%
54%
54%
57%
58%
61%
69%
56%
24%
24%
61%
60%
30%
53%
46%
36%
36%
54%
50%
51%
33%
45%
44%
63%
46%
35%
43%
34%
52%
55%
31%
61%
58%
54%
32%
40%
58%
48%
19%
12%
29%
52%
19%
41%
16%
17%
19%
39%
30%
49%
32%
30%
40%
32%
28%
36%
20%
30%
38%
34%
25%
26%
36%
26%
30%
35%
36%
40%
41%
25%
16%
29%
14%
17%
26%
22%
32%
40%
35%
44%
36%
30%
31%
27%
28%
33%
22%
34%
31%
26%
34%
23%
35%
29%
24%
39%
29%
25%
15%
13%
21%
19%
18%
33%
21%
31%
31%
30%
22%
34%
30%
27%
36%
42%
30%
24%
23%
30%
35%
28%
50%
33%
19%
26%
12%
26%
25%
28%
16%
12%
23%
29%
31%
6%
24%
22%
22%
19%
27%
29%
27%
25%
31%
28%
27%
34%
28%
17%
23%
28%
18%
21%
21%
39%
40%
32%
16%
Japan
Kenya
Uganda
Finland
South Korea
Indonesia
Estonia
Mexico
Peru
Colombia
Singapore
Malaysia
United Kingdom
South Africa
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Australia
Spain
Argentina
India
Brazil
Turkey
Canada
France
China
Germany
Poland
Italy
Vietnam
United States
Russia
Quality of
teachers
Location or
distance
from home
A happy
environment
for children
at the school
Academic record/
exam results
of the school
School ethos
(the values
and culture)
Quality of
facilities
Top 6 categories most often chosen as 1st,2nd or 3rd choice globally
NB: 30% of parents from Uganda and from Indonesia
gave an answer of ‘don’t know’
owing, if any,
mportant factors
our child’s
e the most
he quality of
parents are
d about location.
Korea are
d about
e child, and
K are most
he school’s
Russian parents are the most concerned about the quality of teachers. Spanish
parents are the most concerned about location. Parents from South Korea are the
most concerned about environment for the child, and parents from the UK are most
concerned about the school’s academic record.
Global Parents’
Survey 201822
#VFParentsSurvey

23. Global Parents’
Survey 2018 23
Which of the following, if any,
were the most important factors
when choosing your child’s
current school?
by phase
23al - Public
12%
19%
19%
25%
34%
25%
24%
46%
44%
15%
18%
22%
24%
26%
29%
36%
43%
45%
Extent to which they listen
to/consider wishes of children
The cost of attending
Approach to behaviour and
discipline
Quality of facilities
A happy environment for children at
the school
School ethos (the values and culture
of the school)
Academic record/exam results of the
school
Location or distance from home
Quality of teachers
Child at secondary school Child at primary school
Base: Parents of children in primary schools (10251), parents of children in secondary schools (9821).
Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December
2017 - 15th January 2018.
Global results, % selected as either 1st,2nd or 3rd choice
ollowing, if any,
t important factors
g your child’s
l?
emic record is more
n choosing a
ol, as is school ethos.
ol has a happy
more important
between primary
A school’s academic record is more important when choosing a secondary school,
as is school ethos. Whether a school has a happy environment is more important
when choosing between primary schools.
#VFParentsSurvey

24. Global Parents’
Survey 201824
If there were additional funds
for your child’s school, which
of the following would you like
to see it spent on?
24c
34%
37%
37%
44%
46%
50%
Buildings and other facilities
such as playing fields and
common areas
Support staff (e.g.
counsellors, teaching
assistants)
Resources (e.g. textbooks)
Extra-curricular activities,
e.g. sport/drama/arts clubs
Computers/technology
Teachers
% lowest % highest
Indonesia
(22%)
Germany
(76%)
Estonia
(33%)
Malaysia
(58%)
Uganda
(27%)
South Korea
(71%)
Estonia
(25%)
Kenya
(50%)
Kenya
(23%)
Spain
(57%)
Kenya
(13%)
South Korea
(55%)
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Global results, % selected as either 1st,2nd or 3rd choice
NB: code ‘teachers’ includes those selecting either more
teachers and/or better pay for existing teachers.
ditional funds for
ol, which of the
you like to see it
onal funds for
most parents
pent on teachers.
wed by investment
nology and extra-
.
facilities are
ant to some
South Korea, Italy
If there were additional funds for their child’s school, most parents would want them
spent on teachers. This is closely followed by investment in computers/technology
and extracurricular activities. Buildings and other facilities are particularly important
to some parents, such as in South Korea, Italy and Vietnam.
Global Parents’
Survey 201824
#VFParentsSurvey

25. 25al - Public
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
22%
37%
38%
39%
39%
41%
42%
43%
44%
44%
45%
46%
47%
47%
48%
49%
50%
51%
51%
52%
53%
55%
56%
60%
63%
63%
65%
67%
70%
76%
49%
49%
46%
48%
47%
41%
58%
56%
38%
50%
36%
48%
37%
57%
55%
55%
46%
33%
48%
45%
51%
57%
37%
38%
37%
43%
45%
48%
35%
49%
33%
51%
71%
50%
58%
57%
43%
52%
51%
52%
29%
32%
49%
49%
37%
53%
44%
48%
46%
43%
55%
35%
30%
41%
27%
37%
44%
40%
35%
32%
43%
29%
37%
34%
40%
31%
43%
43%
27%
29%
33%
50%
47%
38%
46%
36%
37%
25%
34%
39%
41%
43%
45%
27%
31%
36%
33%
40%
44%
32%
24%
37%
31%
34%
35%
34%
33%
30%
39%
43%
41%
23%
32%
43%
57%
32%
37%
37%
38%
50%
29%
38%
40%
45%
23%
50%
41%
33%
45%
32%
25%
38%
55%
27%
35%
49%
45%
49%
43%
38%
36%
13%
38%
38%
36%
40%
34%
30%
39%
27%
33%
22%
34%
23%
15%
31%
34%
26%
28%
39%
Indonesia
Mexico
South Korea
Peru
Poland
Vietnam
Malaysia
Italy
Colombia
Turkey
Japan
Kenya
China
Singapore
Spain
India
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Estonia
Argentina
Canada
Russia
South Africa
Finland
Brazil
Uganda
Australia
France
United States
United Kingdom
Germany
More / better pay for teachers Computers/
technology
Extra-curricular
activities, e.g.
sport/drama/
arts clubs
Resources
(e.g. textbooks)
Support staff
(e.g. counsellors,
teaching assistants)
Buildings and
other facilities
such as playing
fields and
common areas
Top 6 categories most often chosen as 1st,2nd or 3rd choice globally
NB: 30% of parents from Indonesia gave an answer of ‘don’t know’
additional funds for
hool, which of the
ld you like to see it
rs are the biggest
y. Parents place the
more teachers or
eir top priority in 13
India, Spain,
ey, Italy, Malaysia,
outh Korea, Mexico
parents would prefer
nal funds in
nology.
Globally, teachers are the biggest spending priority. Parents place the
need for either more teachers or better pay as their top priority in 13
of 29 countries. In South Africa, India, Spain, Singapore, Turkey, Italy, Malaysia,
Poland, Peru, South Korea, Mexico and Indonesia, parents would prefer
to invest additional funds in computers/technology.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 25
#VFParentsSurvey

26. Global Parents’
Survey 201826
% choosing schools by
quality of teaching vs %
choosing to spend
on teachers
26c
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation,
conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
GLOBAL AVERAGE
United Kingdom
Germany
United States
France
Italy
Japan
Poland
Brazil
Russia
Turkey
China
Mexico
Australia
Canada
Colombia
Peru
Argentina
Kenya
Uganda
Estonia
South Africa
South Korea
Singapore
Malaysia
Finland
India
Indonesia
Vietnam
Spain
15%
25%
35%
45%
55%
65%
75%
15% 25% 35% 45% 55% 65% 75%
%wouldspendadditionalfundsonteachers*
% chose quality of teachers in top 3 factors when choosing school
*% selecting as 1st/2nd/3rd choice
Teachers a spending priority but not a
priority in choice of school
Teachers a priority in choice of
school and spending
Teachers not a priority in choice of
school or for spending
Teachers a priority in choice of school,
but not a spending priority
ols by quality of
oosing to spend
h parents choose
rs varies greatly
and, parents
on teachers even
important reason
s.
e in Vietnam, Italy
The extent to which parents choose to prioritise teachers varies greatly
by country. In Uganda and Finland, parents prioritise spending on teachers even
if it is not the most important reason for selecting schools.
The opposite is true in Vietnam, Italy and Poland.
#VFParentsSurvey

27. 02. TIME HELPING
WITH EDUCATION

28. VF Parents
Survey 201828
On average, how much time, if any,
do you personally spend helping
your child academically with their
education per week (e.g. help reading
to them or helping with homework)?
28c
PISA
2015*
N/A
525
416
N/A
425
518
416
403
397
487
475
556
N/A
N/A
N/A
481
401
496
501
N/A
493
516
509
510
528
509
495
534
538
531
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
5%
10%
10%
11%
11%
11%
13%
14%
17%
17%
21%
21%
22%
23%
25%
25%
27%
27%
29%
29%
30%
31%
33%
34%
35%
36%
37%
39%
50%
62%
14%
7%
15%
15%
14%
16%
18%
17%
12%
25%
21%
21%
20%
24%
18%
20%
30%
30%
19%
26%
20%
26%
23%
29%
20%
24%
20%
26%
20%
19%
20%
11%
21%
28%
29%
22%
23%
20%
23%
20%
13%
17%
19%
20%
17%
18%
18%
18%
16%
17%
16%
16%
15%
15%
16%
17%
21%
15%
14%
9%
20%
20%
13%
18%
19%
17%
16%
10%
16%
12%
10%
10%
14%
10%
8%
10%
9%
6%
8%
7%
7%
6%
7%
6%
10%
7%
7%
3%
5%
4%
11%
8%
10%
5%
4%
7%
4%
4%
5%
4%
3%
3%
5%
2%
2%
4%
2%
3%
2%
2%
2%
1%
2%
2%
3%
2%
1%
2%
1%
1%
31%
45%
31%
24%
23%
28%
27%
36%
29%
22%
32%
28%
19%
22%
29%
23%
14%
16%
27%
20%
25%
20%
21%
14%
16%
15%
14%
16%
10%
5%
Finland
Japan
Estonia
France
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
Germany
South Korea
Spain
Uganda
Poland
United States
Brazil
Italy
GLOBAL AVERAGE
South Africa
Kenya
Singapore
Argentina
Russia
Peru
Indonesia
Mexico
China
Turkey
Malaysia
Colombia
Vietnam
India
7 hours or more between 4 and 7 hours between 2 and 4 hours between 1 and 2 hours less than 1 hour None
rmance/share of top performers
conomies with a share of low
OECD average
performance/share of top
nificantly different from the OECD
rmance/share of top performers
conomies with a share of low
OECD average
much time, if
onally spend
d academically
tion per week
g to them or
mework)?
s worldwide say
re hours a week
en with their
Time spent helping academically with homework per week
Global Parents Survey | March 2018 | Final - Public
5%
10%
10%
11%
11%
11%
13%
14%
17%
17%
2
2
2
Finland
Japan
Estonia
France
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
Germany
South Korea
Spain
Uganda
Poland
United States
Brazil
Italy
GLOBAL AVERAGE
South Africa
Kenya
Singapore
Argentina
Russia
Peru
Indonesia
Mexico
China
Turkey
Malaysia
Colombia
Vietnam
India
7 hours or more between 4
*Mean science score in PISA 2015
Countries/economies with a mean performance/share of top performers
above the OECD average; countries/economies with a share of low
achievers below the OECD average
Countries/economies with a mean performance/share of top
performers/share of low achievers not significantly different from the OECD
average
Countries/economies with a mean performance/share of top performers
below the OECD average; countries/economies with a share of low
achievers above the OECD average
On average, how much time, if
any, do you personally spend
helping your child academically
with their education per week
(e.g. help reading to them or
helping with homework)?
A quarter of parents worldwide say
they spend 7 or more hours a week
helping their children with their
education.
A quarter of parents worldwide say they
spend 7 or more hours a week
helping their children with their education.
*Mean science score in PISA 2015
Global Parents’
Survey 201828
#VFParentsSurvey

29. Global Parents’
Survey 2018 29
29al - Public
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
2.6
3.1
3.6
3.9
4.0
4.1
4.4
4.8
5.0
5.4
6.2
6.2
6.7
6.8
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.7
7.9
8.0
8.1
8.6
8.7
8.7
10.2
12.0
Japan
Finland
United Kingdom
France
Estonia
Canada
Australia
Spain
Germany
South Korea
Poland
United States
GLOBAL AVERAGE
South Africa
Italy
China
Kenya
Russia
Argentina
Mexico
Brazil
Peru
Singapore
Malaysia
Uganda
Indonesia
Colombia
Turkey
Vietnam
India
Average numbers of hours spent helping
ow much time, if
ersonally spend
hild academically
cation per week
ding to them or
homework)?
r income and
omies are more likely
cant amounts of time
ildren outside the
those in established
Parents in lower income and emerging economies are more likely
to spend significant amounts of time helping their children outside the
classroom than those in established economies.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 29
#VFParentsSurvey

30. 30
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
How much time do you spend
helping your child with their
education per week?
by parent level of education
30c
7.1
6.2
7.1
6.7
Higher/ University and
above
Secondary
Primary
Total
Average number of hours spent
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
% give no help
23%
39%
27%
18%
do you spend
d with their
eek?
f education
rents were more
e time every
children with
ated to primary
t all.
Better educated parents were more likely to spend some time every week
helping their children with their education. 39% of those educated to primary
level give no help at all.
#VFParentsSurvey

31. How much time do you spend
helping your child with their
education per week?
by type of school
31al - Public
6.9
7.9
6.0
6.7
Child attends other
type of school
Child attends fee
paying school
Child attends free to
attend school
Total all parents
Average number of hours spent
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
% give no help
23%
24%
20%
44%
me do you spend
hild with their
week?
e
s of children at free
ls spend less time
ucation than those
fee paying schools.
Globally, parents of children at free to attend schools spend less time
helping with education than those with children at fee paying schools.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 31
#VFParentsSurvey

32. VF Parents
Survey 201832
How much time do you
spend helping your child with
their education per week?
by age of child
32c
6.2
6.6
7.0
6.9
6.7
16-18
12-15
8-11
4-7
Total
Average number of hours spent
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation,
conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
% give no help
23%
15%
14%
25%
41%
do you spend
d with their
eek?
the amount of
children with
s by age.
d 16-18 receive
f help per week –
p at all.
After the age of 11, the amount of time spent helping children with their education
falls by age. Globally, those aged 16-18 receive the least amount of help per week –
41% receive no help at all.
Global Parents’
Survey 201832
#VFParentsSurvey

33. 33
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
33al - Public
19%
20%
20%
21%
21%
22%
22%
23%
23%
24%
24%
25%
25%
27%
27%
27%
28%
30%
31%
32%
37%
38%
39%
39%
42%
43%
45%
46%
48%
48%
63%
60%
65%
66%
61%
63%
64%
67%
61%
57%
55%
63%
67%
67%
53%
60%
37%
54%
55%
50%
52%
43%
53%
53%
44%
47%
38%
41%
34%
46%
8%
13%
9%
6%
13%
8%
7%
6%
13%
18%
11%
6%
3%
5%
10%
5%
2%
8%
8%
15%
8%
9%
5%
8%
6%
6%
4%
9%
6%
2%
10%
7%
6%
7%
5%
8%
7%
5%
3%
1%
10%
7%
5%
1%
10%
8%
33%
9%
7%
3%
3%
11%
3%
0%
8%
5%
13%
4%
12%
5%
Germany
Spain
Russia
Italy
United States
France
Canada
Argentina
Turkey
India
Finland
United Kingdom
Mexico
Vietnam
Poland
Estonia
Japan
Australia
GLOBAL AVERAGE
China
South Africa
Indonesia
Colombia
Kenya
Singapore
Malaysia
South Korea
Brazil
Uganda
Peru
Too little time The right amount of time Too much time Don't know
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
ou spend too
e, or about the
of time helping
demically with
n?
f parents (31%) feel
too little time
ildren out of school.
Uganda, Brazil and
the most likely to
too little time helping
Nearly a third of parents (31%) feel that they spend too little time
helping their children out of school. Parents in Peru, Uganda, Brazil and
South Korea are the most likely to say they spend too little time helping
with education.
Do you feel you spend too
much, too little, or about the
right amount of time helping
your child academically with
their education?
#VFParentsSurvey

34. 34
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
Average number of
hours spent vs % think
they spend too little time
Despite already spending more time helping, parents in lower income economies feel
this more acutely. Parents in more established economies spend less time helping,
but are also less likely to think that this amount is too little.
#VFParentsSurvey

35. Which of the following, if any,
are the main barriers to you
helping your child academically
with their education?
35al - Public
21%
6%
4%
19%
27%
29%
30%
32%
52%
None of these, there are no obstacles
Don't know
Other
I don't feel that this is my job/that it is appropriate to
help my child with their studies
My child is unwilling to accept my help
Don't feel well educated enough in the subject to
offer my child help
They already receive enough support from another
family member/friend
Lack of information from the school about how I can
help
Shortage of time/too busy
% lowest % highest
Estonia and
Finland
(38%)
Kenya
(73%)
Finland
(20%)
South Korea
(53%)
China
(21%)
India
(47%)
Kenya
(10%)
China
(51%)
Uganda
(5%)
Finland
(44%)
Uganda
(7%)
South Korea
(35%)
Indonesia,
Vietnam,
China (1%)
Canada
(9%)
Spain, Kenya,
Singapore (2%)
Indonesia
(17%)
South Korea
(6%)
United States
(33%)
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Global results, % selected as either 1st,2nd or 3rd choice
ollowing, if any,
barriers to you
hild academically
cation
only occurring
ents don’t help their
by over half of
cross the survey – is
s believe there are
The most commonly occurring reason that parents don’t help their
children – cited by over half of parents (52%) across the survey – is
lack of time. A fifth of parents believe there are no barriers.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 35
#VFParentsSurvey

36. VF Parents
Survey 201836
Which of the following, if any, are
the main barriers to you helping
your child academically with their
education?
by perceived need
36c
9%
17%
29%
33%
32%
36%
68%
28%
18%
26%
26%
29%
29%
45%
14%
34%
29%
32%
28%
40%
52%
None of these, there are no
obstacles
I don’t feel that this is my job/
that it is appropriate to help my
child with their studies
My child is unwilling to accept
my help
Don't feel well educated enough
in the subject to offer my child
help
They already receive enough
support from another family
member/friend
Lack of information from the
school about how I can help
Shortage of time/ too busy
% those who think they spend too much time % those who think they spend about right amount of time
% those who think they spend too little time
Base: All parents (27380) and those who think they spend too little time helping: (8081). Research commissioned by the
Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
owing, if any,
riers to you
d academically
tion?
d
ater barrier
eel they spend
ng.
of those who
much time
eel that it isn’t
Time is an even greater barrier among those who feel they spend too little time
helping. Conversely, a third of those who feel they spend too much time helping
their child feel that it isn’t their job to help.
Global Parents’
Survey 201836
#VFParentsSurvey

37. 37
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
37al - Public
56%
34%
32%
28%
26%
22%
20%
48%
29%
27%
26%
32%
17%
22%
31%
20%
25%
19%
34%
13%
22%
Shortage of time/too busy
Lack of information from the
school about how I can help
They already receive enough
support from another family
member/friend
My child is unwilling to accept
my help
Don't feel well educated enough
in the subject to offer my child
help
I don't feel that this is my
job/that it is appropriate to help
my child with their studies
None of these, there are no
obstacles
Higher/University and above Secondary Primary
Base: Parents educated to higher/university and above (13566), parents educated to secondary school (13324), parents educated to primary school (481). Research
commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
ollowing, if any,
barriers to you
hild academically
cation?
el of education
e is the greatest
parents educated to
and above.
ents educated up to
evel said lack of
e subject was their
Shortage of time is the greatest barrier among parents educated to
university level and above. In contrast, parents educated up to
primary school level said lack of knowledge in the subject was their
main barrier.
Which of the following, if any, are
the main barriers to you helping
your child academically with their
education?
by parent level of education
#VFParentsSurvey

38. VF Parents
Survey 201838
Parents
Survey 201838
03. PLURALISM
IN EDUCATION
PROVISION

39. If it was affordable for you, and
if there was an appropriate local
place available, how likely would
you be to send your child to a
fee paying school?
39ublic
67%
64%
53%
56%
54%
39%
48%
49%
50%
45%
47%
44%
45%
45%
42%
40%
35%
30%
31%
31%
19%
23%
18%
16%
18%
11%
17%
17%
13%
26%
29%
39%
41%
42%
43%
43%
44%
46%
48%
48%
49%
49%
52%
54%
55%
63%
63%
67%
69%
73%
76%
80%
81%
81%
82%
82%
84%
85%
Estonia
Finland
Australia
Spain
Italy
Japan
Poland
France
Argentina
Germany
South Korea
Canada
United Kingdom
Russia
Singapore
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Mexico
United States
Peru
Vietnam
Indonesia
Colombia
China
Brazil
Malaysia
South Africa
Turkey
Kenya
India
% Unlikely % Likely PISA
2015*
N/A
N/A
425
N/A
N/A
401
518
416
403
525
397
496
416
N/A
556
487
509
528
516
509
475
495
501
538
481
493
510
531
534
Base: Parents of children who attend free to attend government funded schools (16767). Research commissioned by the
Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
rformance/share of top performers
s/economies with a share of low
he OECD average
ean performance/share of top
significantly different from the OECD
age
rformance/share of top performers
s/economies with a share of low
he OECD average
ble for you, and if
propriate local
how likely would
your child to a fee
obally whose child
hool would be fairly
y to send their child
hool if it was
ailable.
NB: For this filtered question, Uganda had
a low base size of below 75
55% of parents globally whose child attends a state school would be fairly likely or
very likely to send their child to a fee-paying school if it was affordable and available.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 39
Countries/economies with a
mean performance/share of top
performers above the OECD
average; countries/economies with
a share of low achievers below the
OECD average
Countries/economies with a
mean performance/share of top
performers/share of low achievers
not significantly different from the
OECD average
Countries/economies with a
mean performance/share of top
performers below the OECD average;
countries/economies with a share
of low achievers above the OECD
average
*Mean science score in PISA 2015
#VFParentsSurvey

40. VF Parents
Survey 201840
How likely would you be
to send your child to a fee
paying school?
by age, level of education
and phase of school
40ublic
Variable Split Likely Unlikely
Parent Age
18-34 66% 30%
35-44 55% 39%
45+ 47% 47%
Parent education level
Primary 49% 41%
Secondary 51% 43%
University or above 60% 36%
Phase of school currently
attended by child
Primary 56% 38%
Secondary 53% 42%
Base: All parents where the child attends a free to attend government funded school (16767); of whom, parents aged 18-34 (3349), 35-44 (7578), and
45+ (5840) and whose child is at a free-to-attend school; parents educated to primary level (376), secondary level (8973) and university or above (7414)
and whose child is at a free-to-attend school; parents whose child is at primary school (8777) or secondary school (7990). Research commissioned by the
Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
ld you be to
to a fee paying
education and
and those
ersity level or
kely to consider a
.
ld at primary
ore likely to
ying school;
ear whether this
of school or age
Younger parents, and those educated to university level or above are more likely
to consider a fee-paying school.
Parents with a child at primary school are also more likely to consider a fee
paying school; however, it is unclear whether this is driven by phase of school
or age of parent.
Global Parents’
Survey 201840
#VFParentsSurvey

41. 41
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
41ublic
PISA
2015
N/A
N/A
516
397
416
416
401
487
481
N/A
416
403
425
501
525
N/A
518
496
516
510
556
493
475
495
538
528
531
509
509
53422%
24%
22%
25%
23%
14%
25%
25%
20%
15%
13%
15%
17%
14%
15%
13%
8%
11%
7%
11%
22%
11%
9%
8%
11%
11%
12%
10%
10%
12%
33%
39%
39%
41%
43%
43%
44%
50%
51%
55%
56%
56%
60%
60%
61%
62%
64%
68%
69%
69%
70%
70%
75%
75%
77%
78%
78%
79%
81%
84%
Estonia
Germany
United Kingdom
Finland
Canada
Japan
France
Argentina
Spain
Singapore
Australia
South Korea
United States
China
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Vietnam
Poland
Turkey
Indonesia
Malaysia
Uganda
Italy
Russia
Brazil
Mexico
Colombia
Peru
South Africa
India
Kenya
% Disapprove % Approve
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
5
performance/share of top performers
ries/economies with a share of low
the OECD average
mean performance/share of top
ot significantly different from the OECD
erage
performance/share of top performers
ries/economies with a share of low
the OECD average
es, the government
n education
h they can use to
n for their child at a
hoice, regardless of
hool is run by a
c organisation. To
you/would you
pprove of this
our country?
Shortage of time is the greatest barrier among parents educated to
university level and above. In contrast, parents educated up to
primary school level said lack of knowledge in the subject was their
main barrier.
In some countries, the government gives
parents an education “voucher”, which they
can use to “buy” education for their child at a
school of their choice, regardless of whether the
school is run by a private or public organisation.
To what extent do you/would you approve or
disapprove of this happening in your country?
Countries/economies with a
mean performance/share of top
performers above the OECD
average; countries/economies with
a share of low achievers below the
OECD average
Countries/economies with a
mean performance/share of top
performers/share of low achievers
not significantly different from the
OECD average
Countries/economies with a
mean performance/share of top
performers below the OECD average;
countries/economies with a share
of low achievers above the OECD
average
*Mean science score in PISA 2015
#VFParentsSurvey

42. 42
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
To what extent do you/would you approve
or disapprove of this [education vouchers]
happening in your country?
by age, level of education and
phase of school
42c
Base: Parents aged 18-34 (6328), 35-44 (12113) and 45+ (8938); parents educated to primary level (481), secondary level (13324) and university and above (13566); parents whose
child is at a free school (16767), whose child is at a fee-paying school (10002); parents whose child is at primary school (14464), secondary school (12916). Research commissioned by
the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Variable Split Approve Disapprove
Parent Age
18- 34 68% 12%
35-44 61% 15%
45+ 55% 18%
Parent education level
Primary 52% 15%
Secondary 58% 15%
University and above 64% 15%
School type
Free 56% 16%
Fee-paying 70% 13%
Other 43% 20%
Phase of school currently
attended by child
Primary 62% 14%
Secondary 60% 16%
o you/would
isapprove of
ouchers]
ur country?
ducation and
ion vouchers also
evel of education.
n at fee-paying
re likely to
pt. As are
d those
rsity level of
le variation by
Approval of education vouchers also varies by age and level of education.
Those with children at fee-paying school are also more likely to approve the concept.
As are younger parents and those education to university level of above. There is
little variation by phase of school.
#VFParentsSurvey

43. % ‘approve’ of use of
education vouchers vs %
rate quality of free to attend
schools as ‘good
The extent to which approval of vouchers aligns to perceived quality of school is
mixed.
Parents in South America are more concerned about quality of education and have
high approval ratings for vouchers; the converse is true in Finland and Estonia.
Parents in Germany, France and Japan are also concerned about the quality of
education, but are less likely to approve of vouchers.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 43
#VFParentsSurvey

44. VF Parents
Survey 201844
In principle, to what extent do you
approve or disapprove of each of the
following organisations running any
free to attend, government funded,
schools in your country?
44lic
32%
23%
12%
20%
18%
40%
46%
61%
50%
49%
Religious institutions
Private companies
Groups of teachers
Parent groups
Chartities
% Disapprove % Approve
Highest %
approve
Lowest %
approve
Kenya
(85%)
Japan
(26%)
Kenya
(78%)
Japan
(20%)
India
(82%)
Japan
(28%)
India
(73%)
United
Kingdom
(23%)
Kenya
(88%)
Japan
(9%)
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
what extent do you
pprove of each of
ganisations
to attend,
ded, schools in
most support for the
attend government
be run by groups of
and Kenya are the
rent forms of
Globally, there is most support for the concept of free to attend government
funded schools to be run by groups of teachers.
Parents from India and Kenya are the most open to different forms of
governance.
Global Parents’
Survey 201844
#VFParentsSurvey

45. 45
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
45
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation,
conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
42%
38%
36%
29%
28%
27%
24%
24%
24%
19%
18%
18%
16%
15%
15%
14%
12%
11%
11%
10%
9%
8%
8%
8%
8%
7%
7%
6%
6%
4%
16%
28%
26%
25%
29%
24%
16%
19%
16%
17%
20%
14%
15%
12%
14%
13%
13%
13%
16%
10%
12%
10%
14%
16%
9%
10%
11%
11%
10%
6%
10%
24%
16%
17%
19%
20%
16%
16%
15%
16%
18%
17%
17%
19%
15%
15%
22%
19%
23%
18%
20%
16%
18%
19%
17%
18%
15%
18%
15%
10%
10%
6%
13%
13%
15%
14%
15%
17%
14%
14%
16%
17%
17%
18%
16%
17%
24%
19%
23%
21%
25%
19%
20%
18%
25%
20%
17%
19%
22%
13%
7%
2%
5%
7%
5%
9%
13%
8%
12%
15%
14%
16%
15%
16%
16%
16%
16%
18%
15%
18%
21%
19%
22%
12%
21%
21%
22%
15%
19%
17%
15%
1%
4%
11%
4%
7%
15%
15%
20%
19%
14%
18%
19%
20%
24%
25%
12%
21%
13%
22%
14%
28%
18%
27%
20%
25%
28%
31%
29%
50%
Indonesia
Kenya
India
Malaysia
Uganda
South Africa
United States
Brazil
Finland
Singapore
China
Vietnam
GLOBAL AVERAGE
South Korea
Australia
Poland
Peru
Turkey
Colombia
Canada
Mexico
Italy
Argentina
Estonia
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Japan
% approve to all 5
organisations
% approve to 4 / 5
organisations
% approve to 3 / 5
organisations
% approve to 2 / 5
organisations
% approve to 1 / 5
organisation
Do not approve
of any organisation
at extent do you
rove of each of
anisations
o attend,
ed, schools in
al across
roups, groups of
companies, and
ns
sia, Kenya and
illing to consider
school
% approval across each of the five organisation groups combined
Parents from Indonesia, Kenya and India are the most willing to consider alternative
forms of school governance.
In principle, to what extent do you approve
or disapprove of each of the following
organisations running any free to attend,
government funded, schools in your country?
Combined approval across charities,
parent groups, groups of teachers, private
companies, and religious institutions
#VFParentsSurvey

46. 46
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
To what extent do you approve
or disapprove of the following
organisations running free to
attend schools?
Groups of teachers
46
28%
34%
47%
49%
52%
52%
53%
54%
55%
56%
58%
58%
59%
60%
61%
61%
62%
62%
63%
64%
65%
66%
67%
70%
71%
72%
73%
73%
74%
82%
Japan
Italy
Peru
Germany
Russia
South Korea
France
Poland
Turkey
Vietnam
Estonia
Spain
Argentina
Canada
GLOBAL AVERAGE
United Kingdom
Colombia
Mexico
Australia
Finland
Uganda
Brazil
Singapore
Indonesia
China
United States
Kenya
South Africa
Malaysia
India
% approve run by groups of teachers
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation,
conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
approve or
owing
free to
pport for
teachers.
25 countries
ose from Italy
pproving.
Globally, there is most support for schools run by groups of teachers.
Over half of parents from 25 countries support this concept. Those from Italy and
Japan are the least approving.
#VFParentsSurvey

47. To what extent do you approve
or disapprove of the following
organisations running free to
attend schools?
Parent groups
47ic
20%
31%
34%
35%
36%
41%
42%
43%
43%
44%
45%
46%
46%
47%
49%
50%
50%
52%
53%
53%
56%
57%
59%
60%
61%
63%
64%
66%
76%
78%
Japan
Germany
Italy
United Kingdom
Peru
Poland
Argentina
Colombia
Turkey
Spain
Mexico
Australia
Canada
France
Singapore
Vietnam
GLOBAL AVERAGE
South Korea
China
Estonia
Finland
Russia
United States
Uganda
Brazil
Indonesia
South Africa
Malaysia
India
Kenya
% approve run by parent groups
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation,
conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
o you approve
the following
nning free to
g markets are the
ove of schools
ps.
rted most by
a and India, and
Parents in emerging markets are the most likely to approve of schools run by
parent groups.
Again, this is supported most by parents from Kenya and India, and least from
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 47
#VFParentsSurvey

48. VF Parents
Survey 201848
To what extent do you approve
or disapprove of the following
organisations running free
to attend schools?
Private companies
49lic
23%
28%
30%
31%
33%
35%
35%
36%
36%
41%
41%
41%
43%
45%
45%
46%
46%
48%
48%
48%
54%
55%
55%
60%
63%
64%
65%
67%
72%
73%
United Kingdom
Russia
Canada
Spain
Italy
Germany
Japan
Argentina
Australia
Estonia
Poland
Turkey
Singapore
China
South Korea
Vietnam
GLOBAL AVERAGE
France
United States
Finland
Colombia
Brazil
Mexico
Peru
Malaysia
Indonesia
Uganda
South Africa
Kenya
India
% approve run by private companies
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation,
conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
o you approve
the following
nning free to
es
s being run by
is mixed.
hed European
likely to
ncept.
Support for schools being run by private companies is mixed.
Parents in established European economies are less likely to approve of this
concept.
Global Parents’
Survey 201848
#VFParentsSurvey

49. 49
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
50
9%
14%
19%
19%
23%
24%
24%
26%
27%
29%
30%
31%
31%
33%
34%
35%
36%
40%
40%
45%
48%
51%
51%
53%
55%
57%
64%
68%
82%
88%
Japan
Estonia
Germany
Russia
United Kingdom
France
Spain
Mexico
Turkey
Finland
Italy
Poland
China
Canada
Argentina
South Korea
Vietnam
Australia
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Singapore
Colombia
Brazil
Peru
United States
India
Malaysia
South Africa
Indonesia
Uganda
Kenya
% approve run by religious institutions
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
you approve or
following
ning free to
ons
on in the extent to
ort religious
free to attend
rt from parents in
and least support
a and Japan.
There is wide variation in the extent to which parents support religious institutions
running free to attend schools.
This has most support from parents in Kenya and Uganda, and least support from
those in Estonia and Japan.
To what extent do you approve
or disapprove of the following
organisations running free to
attend schools?
Religious institutions
#VFParentsSurvey

50. 50
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
To what extent do you approve of
the following organisations running
free to attend schools?
by parent age
51
34%
41%
43%
42%
57%
39%
47%
50%
49%
61%
49%
52%
59%
60%
67%
Religious groups
Private companies
Parent groups
Charities
Groups of teachers
% parents aged 18-34 approve % parents aged 35-44 approve % parents aged 45+ approve
Base: Parents aged 18-34 (6328), parents aged 35-44 (12113), parents aged 45+ (8939).
Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
approve
isations
schools?
ups running
s with age.
pes of
t support
4.
Support for different groups running free to attend schools falls with age.
Consistently across all types of governance, there is most support among
parents aged 18-34.
#VFParentsSurvey

51. To what extent do you approve of
the following organisations running
free to attend schools?
by parent level of education
52
35%
38%
47%
50%
54%
36%
41%
48%
46%
57%
44%
51%
52%
53%
65%
Religious groups
Private companies
Parent groups
Charities
Groups of teachers
% parents educated to
Higher/University+ approve
% parents educated to
secondary level approve
% parents educated to
primary-level approve
Base: Parents educated to primary level (481), parents educated to secondary level (13324), parents educated to higher/university level and above (13566). Research
commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
u approve
isations
d schools?
cation
pes of
st support
to
rimary
y
up.
Consistently across all types of governance, there is most support among parents
educated to university level or above.
Parents who only have primary education are particularly supportive of charity group.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 51
#VFParentsSurvey

52. VF Parents
Survey 201852
To what extent do you approve of
the following organisations running
free to attend schools?
by school type
Parents with children at a fee-paying school are more open to the idea of other
organisations running free to attend schools.
This is most apparent in support for private companies and religious groups.
Global Parents’
Survey 201852
53lic
34%
40%
43%
44%
52%
32%
40%
45%
48%
59%
52%
56%
56%
54%
64%
Religious groups
Private companies
Charities
Parent groups
Groups of teachers
% approve among parents with child at fee-paying school
% approve among parents with child at free to attend school
% approve among parents with child at 'other' school
Base: Parents of children attending fee-paying schools (10002), parents of children attending free to attend schools (16767), parents of children who attend other schools
(611). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
o you approve
organisations
ttend schools?
en at a fee-paying
pen to the idea of
s running free to
ent in support for
and religious
Base: Parents of children attending fee-paying schools (10002), parents of children attending free to attend schools
(16767), parents of children who attend other schools (611). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, con-
ducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
#VFParentsSurvey

53. 04. OPTIMISM
FOR THE FUTURE

54. 54
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
How well, if at all, do you think
your child’s school is preparing
them for the future world of
2030 and beyond?
55
52%
47%
44%
25%
41%
43%
36%
38%
31%
37%
34%
30%
31%
32%
31%
27%
24%
30%
21%
23%
29%
27%
24%
28%
28%
23%
18%
15%
7%
11%
37%
46%
47%
48%
51%
52%
57%
59%
61%
62%
64%
64%
65%
65%
65%
67%
67%
67%
67%
68%
69%
69%
69%
70%
71%
72%
76%
78%
86%
88%
South Korea
Russia
France
Japan
Poland
Italy
Germany
Turkey
Canada
Uganda
Peru
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Argentina
Brazil
Mexico
Spain
Estonia
Colombia
United Kingdom
Australia
South Africa
Malaysia
Singapore
Vietnam
Kenya
China
United States
Finland
Indonesia
India
% not well % well PISA
2015*
N/A
N/A
531
496
518
N/A
525
556
N/A
N/A
510
509
416
534
493
416
401
475
N/A
397
N/A
528
425
509
481
N/A
538
495
487
516
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
you think
reparing
orld of
of parents
ol is
he world of
hest (India,
nam), and
n and
nfidence.
Almost two-thirds (64%) of parents believe their child’s school is preparing them well
for the world of 2030 and beyond.
Asia has some of the highest (India, Indonesia, China and Vietnam), and some of the
lowest (Japan and South Korea) levels of confidence.
#VFParentsSurvey

55. Which of the following, if any, are the
most important areas where you think
your child’s school should be doing
more to better prepare your child for
the world of 2030 and beyond?
56
Base: Parents who feel their child is underprepared for the world of 2030 and beyond (9758). Research commissioned by the
Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
31%
40%
42%
43%
43%
46%
47%
47%
48%
48%
49%
50%
51%
52%
52%
52%
53%
53%
58%
58%
58%
59%
60%
60%
61%
62%
62%
64%
66%
69%
22%
56%
50%
45%
50%
36%
49%
44%
54%
50%
50%
52%
40%
54%
57%
36%
42%
51%
57%
49%
48%
57%
48%
57%
54%
50%
57%
60%
55%
67%
26%
53%
47%
45%
46%
44%
46%
51%
28%
37%
51%
50%
52%
59%
56%
40%
65%
51%
64%
51%
56%
53%
59%
59%
52%
53%
52%
64%
65%
44%
32%
50%
34%
43%
39%
34%
39%
57%
44%
62%
44%
55%
29%
44%
44%
43%
46%
45%
40%
53%
62%
50%
23%
61%
50%
48%
48%
41%
28%
54%
19%
57%
49%
53%
50%
48%
42%
41%
32%
50%
55%
49%
29%
62%
45%
37%
72%
43%
31%
46%
46%
54%
22%
36%
31%
31%
28%
28%
47%
44%
Indonesia
Poland
Mexico
Colombia
Peru
Finland
Brazil
China
Japan
Vietnam
Turkey
Malaysia
Uganda
Spain
Argentina
Estonia
Italy
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Russia
India
Singapore
France
Kenya
Germany
United Kingdom
United States
Canada
Australia
South Africa
South Korea
Greater focus on the
new type of careers,
jobs and skills needed
for the future
A more relevant and
up to date curriculum
that keeps pace with
change
Greater focus on
preparing them to
use new and
emerging technology
Greater focus on
non-traditional or
'softer' skills
Greater international
outlook
% selecting as 1st/2nd/3rd choice
NB: 54% of parents from Indonesia who felt
unprepared selected ‘don’t know’
g, if any, are
reas where
school
to better
the world
heir child is
t common
us on new
d skills.
y a preference
riculum and
w technology.
Among those who feel their child is underprepared, the most common request is for
greater focus on new types of careers, jobs and skills.
This is closely followed by a preference for a more up to data curriculum and
preparation for using new technology.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 55
#VFParentsSurvey

56. VF Parents
Survey 201856
Taking everything into
consideration, how optimistic
or pessimistic are you about
your child’s future?
57lic
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by
Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
14%
23%
12%
12%
19%
15%
17%
22%
12%
21%
13%
22%
13%
13%
11%
13%
16%
7%
10%
8%
8%
17%
9%
11%
4%
4%
6%
8%
14%
3%
28%
31%
35%
38%
39%
41%
47%
49%
52%
55%
57%
57%
59%
60%
62%
64%
64%
66%
66%
68%
68%
70%
70%
71%
73%
76%
77%
79%
81%
83%
Japan
France
South Korea
Germany
Italy
Spain
Singapore
Turkey
Poland
Malaysia
United Kingdom
South Africa
Australia
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Canada
Russia
Uganda
China
Estonia
Vietnam
United States
India
Argentina
Brazil
Finland
Mexico
Colombia
Indonesia
Kenya
Peru
% pessimistic % optimistic
g into
ow optimistic
e you about
re?
(60%) of parents
ut their child’s
e highest levels of
ower income and
es.
h as Japan,
a and Germany)
omier.
Almost two-thirds (60%) of parents are optimistic about their child’s future. Some of
the highest levels of optimism were in lower income and emerging economies.
Richer nations (such as Japan, France, South Korea and Germany) were
generally gloomier.
Global Parents’
Survey 201856
#VFParentsSurvey

57. 57
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
There is some relationship between optimism and sense of preparation
for the future.
However, parents in Russia feel less prepared but remain optimistic. In contrast,
parents in Singapore and Spain are more likely to feel their children are well
prepared for the world of 2030 but are less optimistic about their child’s future.
% optimistic for the future vs
% well prepared for 2030
#VFParentsSurvey

58. 58
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
What, if any of the following,
causes you the most anxiety
about your child at school?
59
19%
23%
23%
24%
30%
34%
41%
43%
Ability to make friends
Growing up 'too early'
through peer pressure
Their physical health
Not being stretched
enough academically
Facing too much
academic pressure
Their personal safety
Their mental wellbeing,
including bullying
Whether they are happy
and enjoy school
% lowest % highest
Uganda (20%)
Spain
(64%)
Uganda (19%)
Spain
(57%)
Indonesia
(19%)
Brazil
(48%)
Argentina
(17%)
Singapore
(56%)
China
(10%)
Russia
(44%)
United
Kingdom
(12%)
India
(37%)
Japan
(11%)
United States
(35%)
Peru
(8%)
South Korea
(31%)
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Global results, % selected as either 1st,2nd or 3rd choice
owing,
nxiety
hool?
aramount
ldwide
he top
hem the
child at
y concerns
bullying.
Children’s happiness is paramount to parents, with 43% worldwide selecting this as
among the top three factors that cause them the most anxiety about their child
at school.
This is closely followed by concerns of mental wellbeing and bullying.
#VFParentsSurvey

59. What, if any of the following, causes
you the most anxiety about your
child at school?
by phase, parent age and
school type
60
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Top 3 anxieties Phase Parent age School type
Primary Secondary 18-34 35-44 45+ Free Fee paying Other
Whether they are happy
and enjoy school
43% 43% 38% 43% 48% 45% 42% 33%
Their mental wellbeing,
including bullying
44% 38% 40% 42% 40% 42% 39% 37%
Their personal safety 36% 32% 38% 34% 31% 33% 37% 28%
Facing too much
academic pressure
28% 33% 28% 31% 31% 29% 34% 23%
Not being stretched
enough academically
22% 26% 22% 24% 27% 26% 22% 18%
Their physical health 22% 24% 23% 23% 22% 22% 24% 21%
Growing up 'too early'
through peer pressure
23% 22% 23% 23% 22% 23% 22% 18%
Ability to make friends 20% 18% 19% 19% 19% 20% 18% 15%
e following,
ost anxiety
at school?
age and school
oying school is
older parents
attend schools.
chool children
about mental
onal safety.
and being
ally are larger
econdary school
Being happy and enjoying school is a larger concern for older parents and those at free
to attend schools.
Parents of primary school children are more concerned about mental wellbeing, and
personal safety. Academic pressure and being stretched academically are larger
concerned among secondary school parents.
Global Parents’
Survey 2018 59
#VFParentsSurvey

60. VF Parents
Survey 201860
What, if any of the following,
causes you the most anxiety
about your child’s future?
61lic
11%
12%
14%
16%
16%
18%
26%
30%
30%
34%
42%
Housing
Ability to keep pace with technology
Environment and climate change
Relationships
Terrorism and conflict
Discrimination and inequality
Health/disease
Crime and staying safe
Peer pressure and attitudes towards
drinking, drugs and sex
Money and the cost of living
Getting a job and having a successful
career
% lowest % highest
Indonesia
(24%)
France
(59%)
Indonesia
(22%)
Singapore
(54%)
Japan
(9%)
South Africa
(39%)
Uganda
(9%)
Mexico
(53%)
South Africa
(11%)
Spain
(46%)
Japan
(7%)
South Korea
(35%)
Uganda
(7%)
Germany
(34%)
Uganda (7%);
Indonesia (7%)
Japan
(34%)
South Africa
(5%)
Germany
(23%)
United Kingdom
(6%)
South Korea
(28%)
Indonesia
(3%)
United Kingdom
(22%)
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted
by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
Global results, % selected as either 1st,2nd or 3rd choice
he following,
most anxiety
’s future?
parental concern
n’s futures
a job and having a
lly more
read and butter
an terrorism and
ough terrorism is
any, France, and
The most common parental concern about their children’s futures globally is getting
a job and having a successful career.
Parents are generally more concerned about bread and butter economic issues than
terrorism and climate change; though terrorism is a concern in Germany, France,
and Turkey.
Global Parents’
Survey 201860
#VFParentsSurvey

61. 61
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
62
% 10/10
‘extremely
important’
80%
79%
75%
56%
63%
62%
55%
55%
61%
52%
60%
38%
38%
31%
51%
36%
37%
40%
29%
32%
30%
23%
27%
14%
8%
16%
6%
13%
13%
11%
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation, conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
13%
16%
15%
20%
8%
4%
12%
8%
5%
4%
4%
2%
5%
4%
3%
7%
1%
4%
1%
5%
3%
4%
2%
2%
3%
2%
2%
2%
1%
2%
32%
32%
35%
38%
39%
42%
43%
54%
54%
62%
64%
64%
65%
66%
66%
68%
71%
72%
75%
75%
77%
77%
80%
82%
84%
85%
87%
89%
92%
92%
France
United Kingdom
Germany
Finland
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Canada
Spain
Vietnam
Estonia
Singapore
GLOBAL AVERAGE
Italy
Poland
Uganda
China
United States
Malaysia
Kenya
Russia
South Africa
Turkey
Argentina
Peru
Indonesia
India
Brazil
Mexico
Colombia
% not very important (1-3)* % very important (8-10)*
*Scored on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is extremely important and 1 is not at all important.
not do you
r child
on order to
in life?
ider it
t their child
sing to 65%
important’
far more
niversity than
40% of parents consider it extremely important their child attends university, rising
to 65% stating it to be ‘very important’ overall.
Latin Americans are far more determined about university than most.
How important or not do
you think it is that your child
attends university on order to
achieve the most in life?
#VFParentsSurvey

62. 62
Global Parents’
Survey 2018
How important or not do
you think it is that your child
attends university on order to
achieve the most in life?
by education level of parent
63
61%
59%
72%
6%
8%
3%
Primary
Secondary
Higher /
University
and above
Very important (8-10) Not very important (1-3)
Highest % not
important
Highest %
important
France (10%)
Colombia
(93%);
Mexico (93%)
Poland (1%);
Turkey (1%)
Finland (27%)
N/A N/A
Base: All parents (27380). Research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation,
conducted by Ipsos MORI between 8th December 2017 - 15th January 2018.
do you
ld
order to
e?
cation
ersity level
to say
portant
econdary
Parents educated to university level or higher are more likely to say attending
university is important than those educated to secondary or primary level.
#VFParentsSurvey

63. VF Parents
Survey 2018 63
2nd Floor, St Albans House
57 – 59 Haymarket
London, SW1Y 4QX. UK
+44 (0) 20 7593 4040
www.varkeyfoundation.org
Global Parents’
Survey 2018