Mental Health Services: Schools
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what percentage of schools currently have access to a Mental Health Support Team; and what the timetable is for further rollout.
Answered by Preet Kaur Gill
Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) continue to play a key role in providing early intervention and support for children and young people’s mental health in education settings.
As at March 2026, 5.8 million pupils and learners were covered by an MHST, equating to 60% of pupils in schools and learners in further education settings in England. This is an increase from 5 million pupils and learners, or 52%, in March 2025.
As at March 2026, 11,800 schools and colleges were supported by an MHST, equating to 48% of schools and colleges in England. This is an increase from 10,000 schools and colleges, or 41%, in March 2025.
We are continuing to expand access to MHSTs. Assuming the average number of schools, colleges, pupils, and learners supported by each team remains constant, coverage is estimated to increase to approximately 66% of pupils and learners and 53% of schools and colleges by March 2027. This could provide MHST coverage to an additional 1,200 schools and colleges and approximately 595,000 more pupils and learners during 2026/27.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →