Mental health support in schools has come a long way in recent years. But despite new initiatives and increased awareness, a significant gap remains between what young people need and what’s actually available. This gap isn’t just about numbers — it’s about real lives, real classrooms, and real consequences.
According to the Future Minds report (February 2025), more than one in five children and young people in England now have a diagnosable mental health condition. Yet NHS services are only reaching around 40% of those in need. That leaves hundreds of thousands of children without the support they require, often waiting months or even years for help.
The situation is even more pressing in schools. A survey by YoungMinds found that 74% of teachers believe poor mental health support is negatively impacting pupils' ability to learn. Teachers are stepping in to fill the gap, with 75% prioritising pupils' psychological needs over curriculum duties at least once a week.
The government's rollout of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) aims to bridge this gap. As of 2025, approximately 500 teams are in operation, covering 44% of students in schools and further education in England. While this is a step in the right direction, it still leaves more than half of students without access to this support, according to the Centre for Mental Health.
Moreover, the Future Minds report highlights that current investment levels are insufficient to meet the growing demand. To reach 70% of diagnosable need by the end of this Parliament, an additional £167 million is needed in the first year alone.
These findings prompt us to reflect on our own practices. We've been considering how to better support students' mental health within our Home Rooms setting and to students we support through outreach in their homes. This includes integrating mental health awareness into our daily routines (such as Normal Magic), providing training for staff, and creating an environment where students feel safe to express their needs.
We're also exploring partnerships with local mental health organisations to provide more comprehensive support. I'm particularly proud to be working alongside other local organisations to share our experiences with the Kailo project.
By doing so, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that starts to address the mental health needs of all students.