Landmark investment aims to tackle the youth mental health crisis and improve school attendance
The UK government has unveiled a sweeping expansion of school mental health support, with nearly 900,000 more pupils set to benefit by March 2026. As part of Labour’s Plan for Change, the initiative aims to address growing concerns around mental wellbeing, school attendance, and long-term educational outcomes.
By 2029/30, every child in England is expected to have access to in-school mental health services — a move Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called “one of the biggest steps we can take to improve children’s life chances.”
Mental Health Support Teams: Expanding Access Nationwide
The rollout will centre on Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) — specialist units embedded within schools to provide early intervention for pupils with mild to moderate mental health issues. These teams offer one-on-one support for anxiety, group resilience sessions, and guidance for teachers.
- Currently, MHSTs serve 70% of secondary school pupils
- By March 2026, they will reach 60% of all pupils
“This centre represents what modern, community-based NHS care should look like,” said Gary Lloyd, headteacher of The Academy of St Nicholas, who praised MHSTs for improving both wellbeing and attendance.
Linking Mental Health to School Attendance and Performance
The programme is based on growing evidence that poor mental health contributes directly to chronic absenteeism. A study by the University of York found that secondary school pupils who miss significant time from class earn £10,000 less by age 28.
To tackle this, the government will:
- Launch 90 attendance and behaviour hubs, supporting 500 schools
- Support 4,500 additional schools with behaviour and attendance interventions
- Deploy new ambassadors to link schools and policymakers
Backed by £680 Million and New Workforce Commitments
The mental health support expansion forms part of a £680 million package for 2025, funding:
- 8,500 new mental health workers in children’s and adult services
- 6,500 additional teachers to improve learning environments
- Free breakfast clubs and RISE teams in underperforming schools
It also aligns with the RSHE curriculum, which trains pupils to recognise early signs of emotional distress.
Sector Reactions: Praise and Calls for Faster Rollout
The announcement has been welcomed across the education sector. Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“It’s reassuring that the government recognises the mental health crisis and its impact on schools.”
On social media platform X, users such as @CompassclMHST have praised the support teams as a “lifeline for schools and pupils.”
However, the Children’s Commissioner for England and charities like Place2Be have stressed the need for faster delivery and sustained funding beyond 2026.
Challenges: Uneven Funding and Service Gaps
Despite widespread support, challenges remain:
- MHST funding is not ring-fenced, leaving decisions to local Integrated Care Boards
- The House of Lords Library warns this may lead to regional inequalities in access
- The Education Committee has previously described service capacity as “grossly inadequate”
Why It Matters: A Nation’s Mental Health at a Crossroads
According to Children’s Mental Health Week, 1 in 6 children in England now has a probable mental health condition. The COVID-19 pandemic has further strained mental health services and increased absenteeism in schools.
This investment is part of a wider government plan to embed mental health services in every education setting, boost attendance, and improve life outcomes.
