Schools and Colleges Face Growing Mental Health Pressures as Referrals Top One Million

The report from the Children’s Commissioner shows that 1,048,965 children had active referrals to Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) last year, with referrals rising by 9.5% in just 12 months. Anxiety, suspected autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions were among the most common reasons for referral. For schools and colleges, the findings reinforce the need for early identification and support.  

Rachel De Souza, current Children’s Commissioner, argues that mental health cannot be treated as a health issue alone and calls for a stronger partnership between education and health services. Evidence-based interventions in schools, Mental Health Support Teams and improved links with community services are identified as key parts of the solution. The report also raises concerns about lengthy waits for support with more than a third of children referred to services still waiting for treatment at the end of the year, while around 60,000 had been waiting for more than two years.  

Children referred for suspected autism were among those facing the longest delays. These delays often mean schools and colleges are supporting young people for months or even years before specialist help becomes available. As a result, education settings are likely to remain on the frontline of responding to anxiety, emotional distress and neurodevelopmental needs.  

The Commissioner is calling for a joint national strategy between the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care, arguing that earlier support in schools could help prevent problems escalating and reduce pressure on overstretched specialist services.