Survey on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES)

The OECD Survey on Social and Emotional Skills is an international survey that identifies and assesses the conditions and practices that foster or hinder the development of social and emotional skills for 10- and 15-year-old students.

This survey can be important for educators for several key reasons.

First, it recognises that academic achievement alone does not fully capture student success. Research consistently shows that skills like resilience, curiosity, teamwork and emotional stability strongly influence academic performance, wellbeing, and future employability. By measuring these competences systematically, SSES broadens the understanding of what it means to provide quality education.

Second, the survey provides reliable, comparable international data. Education systems often focus on cognitive outcomes (e.g., literacy or mathematics), but SSES gives policymakers and schools evidence about students’ socio-emotional development. This helps identify strengths and gaps across different contexts, socio-economic backgrounds, and genders, enabling more equitable and targeted interventions.

Third, SSES supports whole-child education. Schools increasingly recognise that emotional wellbeing, sense of belonging and positive relationships are essential for learning. By highlighting these dimensions, the survey encourages educational policies and school practices that promote safe environments, mental health awareness, and inclusive classroom cultures.

Fourth, it informs teaching practices. Understanding students’ social and emotional profiles can guide teachers in designing activities that foster collaboration, self-regulation and motivation. It also supports the integration of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into curricula rather than treating it as an optional add-on.

Finally, SSES contributes to long-term social outcomes. Social and emotional skills are linked not only to academic success, but also to civic engagement, healthy relationships and labour market participation. By investing in these skills early, education systems help prepare students for life beyond school.

https://www.oecd.org/en/about/programmes/oecd-survey-on-social-and-emotional-skills.html