Expansion of school mental health support welcomed by children's charities

Nearly six million children and young people across England can now access mental health support through their school or college, according to new government figures showing a significant expansion of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs).

The Department for Education said around 800,000 more pupils are now covered by the programme compared with last year, with support teams working in almost 11,800 schools and colleges. The government says the expansion puts it on track to fulfil its manifesto commitment to provide access to Mental Health Support Teams in every school and college by the end of 2029.

The announcement comes amid growing concern about children's mental health and its impact on attendance, educational attainment and future life chances. Government figures suggest around one million 16- to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training, with poor mental health identified as a significant contributing factor.

According to the Department for Education, nine in ten schools and colleges with access to Mental Health Support Teams report improvements in children's mental health and wellbeing, while seven in ten say attendance has improved.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "As young people navigate the pressures of school and growing up, having the right support around them is crucial — which is why I am proud that today, six million children across England can access a mental health expert in their school.

"These teams are giving children the tools to manage life’s challenges, stay in school and achieve — and the evidence shows it is working. That is how we break down barriers so every young person, no matter their background, can get the most out of their education and ultimately, their childhood."

The expansion follows the recruitment of an additional 8,500 mental health support workers since June 2024 as part of the government's wider plans to increase access to mental health services through its 10 Year Health Plan.

Health Secretary James Murray said: "For far too long, some children and young people have faced mental health challenges without support which has had a detrimental impact on their wellbeing and education.

"This government said we would transform mental health care, and today’s announcement shows we’re making great progress. Millions of children now have access to vital mental health support in schools, ensuring they will get the best start in life, while building upon our achievement of recruiting 8,500 more mental health workers across children’s and adult services three years ahead of schedule."

Mental Health Support Teams provide early intervention and support within education settings, helping children and young people manage issues such as anxiety, low mood and emotional wellbeing before difficulties escalate into more serious problems.

The expansion reflects findings from the Milburn Review, which concluded that many young people struggle to access support until they reach crisis point and highlighted the relationship between poor mental health, disengagement from education and worsening outcomes later in life.

At Tollgate Primary School, where pupils have access to a Mental Health Support Team, Lead Family Support and Deputy Safeguarding Lead Shannel Duncan said the service had made a significant difference.

"Our MHST therapist has had a hugely positive impact on students’ mental health and wellbeing – providing early support and a safe space for young people to talk openly, improving their awareness of coping strategies and emotional resilience.

"Through workshops, one-to-one sessions and close collaboration with staff and families, the MHST has created a more supportive and inclusive school environment where students feel listened to, valued and better equipped to manage challenges in and outside of school.

"Their continued support is invaluable – ensuring students have ongoing access to timely advice and intervention, building confidence and supporting long-term emotional health across our whole school community."

The announcement was welcomed by children's charities and mental health organisations, which have long argued that schools are well placed to identify emerging mental health difficulties and provide support before problems escalate.

Lynn Perry, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, said: "No child should be left to deal with poor mental health alone. That’s why Barnardo’s is proud to provide mental health support in schools across England. We know that this can have a transforming impact for children and young people who are struggling.

"We’ve seen first-hand that investment in early mental health support can improve school attendance and help support children and young people to live happier and healthier lives.

"The Mental Health Support Teams of Barnardo’s Moving Mindsets play a crucial part in supporting schools to become a place that promote wellbeing and make everyone feel they can belong."

Efua Poku-Amanfo, Head of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition, said expanding access to support could have a lasting impact on children's educational and health outcomes.

"Most children and young people will face challenges at some point in their life - that could be exam stress, moving schools, or trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

"For many of those children, they will have the adequate support to withstand that difficulty, but for many others, interventions like Mental Health Support Teams could change the trajectory of their school career and their health.

"It is wonderful to see more pupils across the country benefiting from Mental Health Support Teams. Knowing that this support will be extended to every school in the country is vital to ensuring every child can access the support they need, when they need it."

Adrian Whittington, National Clinical Lead for Psychological Professions at NHS England, said providing support in schools was helping ensure children receive help earlier.

"It is really encouraging that almost six million pupils can now access mental health support teams through their school or college.

"We know early intervention can make a significant difference, and by bringing support closer to where children and young people spend most of their time, these teams help young people to get the right support at the right time so they can thrive in education and beyond."