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Background Children and young people (CYP) across the UK experienced the pandemic and restrictions to control spread at a uniquely vulnerable and critical period in their lives. These experiences have been associated with a population-level increase in mental disorders. To inform its investigation into the pandemic’s impacts on CYP, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry commissioned large-scale qualitative research to hear directly from CYP about their pandemic experiences and how these affected mental health and wellbeing.Methods Six hundred CYP aged 5-18 during the pandemic were recruited to participate in participant-led, trauma-informed in-depth interviews. Three hundred participants were broadly reflective of the UK population across demographic characteristics including region, ethnicity and socio-economic status. The remaining 300 were recruited across groups expected to be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, including physically disabled CYP, clinically vulnerable CYP and those in contact with health services. Interviews covered a variety of topics including home life, education, and health and wellbeing. Thematic analysis followed an inductive approach.Results Analysis identified a framework of factors that contributed to poorer wellbeing and mental health during the pandemic, including tension at home, lack of resources and disruption to support and services. It also identified factors that supported wellbeing, including supportive relationships and the ability to continue learning.Conclusion While accounts demonstrate hardships during the pandemic, they also show CYP’s resilience. The framework of risk and protective factors could be used by policymakers and practitioners to consider where support could be implemented in future pandemics.