Fewer pupils feel comfortable seeking mental health support in schools
Use of support was limited, with 26% of pupils and 34% of parents saying they or their child had accessed it
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Fewer secondary school pupils feel comfortable talking to staff about their mental health according to a new survey from the Department for Education, despite most being aware of the support available in schools and colleges.
The latest survey found 48% of pupils would feel very or fairly comfortable approaching adults at school about their mental health. This was down from 57% in September 2024.
Awareness of provision remains high, with 78% of pupils and 61% of parents saying they knew about mental health and wellbeing support available. Those figures were broadly unchanged for pupils compared with previous years, while awareness among parents has risen from 52% in 2024 and 49% in 2023.
Use of support was limited, with 26% of pupils and 34% of parents saying they or their child had accessed it. Among those who did, 59% of pupils and 77% of parents said it was helpful – similar to previous surveys.
Two-thirds of pupils (67%) said they knew how to look after their mental health, in line with past results, but just 55% agreed their school teaches them how to do so, down from 67% in 2024.
Parents expressed greater confidence, with 83% saying they could look after their child’s mental health and 78% saying there were staff at their child’s school they would feel comfortable approaching.