Nearly six million children and young people, including a majority in South East, can now access mental health support in their school or college, giving them the tools and resilience they need to stay in education and thrive as adults.
- Record number of children in England now have access to mental health support teams, with almost 80% of secondary schools covered
- Nearly 800,000 more students have access to mental health support this year than last
- Labour on track to deliver support in every school and college by the end of 2029
This is around 800,000 more pupils than last year, with Labour’s Mental Health Support Teams now working in almost 11,800 schools and colleges across England.
These teams are already making a clear difference. Nine in ten schools and colleges say they are improving children’s mental health and wellbeing, while seven in ten report improved attendance helping keep pupils in school and on track for their futures.
The link between absence and lost opportunity is stark, with persistently absent pupils earning around £10,000 less by age 28. With around one million 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training and poor mental health a major barrier this is a key challenge holding young people back.
This reflects findings in the Milburn Review, which shows poor mental health is a barrier to education, employment and training. It also highlights a damaging cycle where poor mental health drives disengagement, and disengagement in turn worsens mental health.
By bringing support into Portsmouth’s schools, Labour is breaking that cycle early ensuring children get the right support at the right time. Now, nearly 80% of secondary schools now have access to a mental health support team, providing timely, practical help as pressures on young people continue to grow.
Education Secretary, Bridget Philipson, 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.
“For too long, too many children have been let down leaving school without the qualifications, confidence or support they need. We see it in attendance, in the attainment gap, and in the one million young people not in education, employment or training. That has to change.
“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.”
MP for Portsmouth North, Amanda Martin said: “Parents across Portsmouth want their child to grow up healthy and happy.
“But we know this is a tough time to grow up in, and Labour is stepping in to put support in place to help children deal with the stresses, worries and anxiety that can arise.
“This is more evidence of the delivery, progress and change that Labour is bringing to children’s lives, setting them up to achieve and thrive.”
This builds on the recruitment of an additional 8,500 mental health support workers since June 2024, part of Labour’s 10 Year Health Plan commitment to deliver more mental health care in the community. Frontline workers, clinicians and mental health experts are also being invited to shape a once-in-a-generation cross-government mental health strategy, driving a fundamental shift towards prevention.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, 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.”
Labour is going further to transform outcomes for young people, including:
- Free breakfast clubs are now reaching millions of children across England, with evidence showing a softer start to the day helps pupils feel calmer, less stressed and ready to learn.
- While attendance and behaviour hubs across the country are targeting the schools with the greatest need, helping drive standards in the classrooms where change is needed most.
