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Nearly six million children and young people in England can now access mental health support through their school or college, according to the government, which says it remains on course to meet its manifesto commitment of providing all schools and colleges with access to mental health support teams by the end of 2029.
The latest figures show that mental health support teams are now operating in almost 11,800 schools and colleges, extending coverage to around 800,000 more pupils than a year ago. The government said the expansion means that nearly 80% of secondary schools now have access to specialist mental health support.
The announcement comes amid continuing concerns about the impact of poor mental health on educational outcomes and long-term life chances. Government figures indicate that persistently absent pupils earn approximately £10,000 less by the age of 28, while around one million people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training. Poor mental health has been identified as a significant contributing factor.
The expansion of school-based support follows findings from the Milburn Review, which highlighted difficulties in accessing early mental health intervention and noted that many young people only receive support once they reach crisis point. The review also identified a cycle in which poor mental health contributes to disengagement from education, while disengagement can further exacerbate mental health difficulties.
According to government data, nine in ten schools and colleges with access to mental health support teams report improvements in pupils’ mental health and wellbeing, while seven in ten report improved attendance.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the programme was helping children develop the skills needed to manage challenges, remain engaged in education and achieve their potential. She said the evidence demonstrated that the approach was helping to remove barriers to opportunity for young people.
The government also highlighted feedback from schools participating in the programme. Shannel Duncan, Lead Family Support and Deputy Safeguarding Lead at Tollgate Primary School, said the school's mental health support team therapist had provided early intervention and a safe environment for pupils to discuss concerns, while also working closely with staff and families to improve emotional resilience and wellbeing across the school community.
The expansion of support teams forms part of wider reforms to mental health services. The government said it has recruited an additional 8,500 mental health support workers since June 2024 as part of its 10 Year Health Plan, with a broader cross-government mental health strategy currently under development. Health and Social Care Secretary James Murray said the measures were intended to improve access to support for children and young people while contributing to wider transformation of mental health services.
The government also pointed to related initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people, including the rollout of free breakfast clubs and the development of attendance and behaviour hubs targeted at schools facing the greatest challenges.
