“Plan for Change”: What the New Academic Year Means for Mental Health in UK Education
As the new school year begins, let’s look at how the government’s “Plan for Change” is reshaping the UK education system. While these initiatives are broad, a central theme is the recognition that mental health and well-being are fundamental to educational success—for both students and teachers. These new policies are a direct response to rising concerns about student anxiety, teacher burnout, and the critical link between well-being and attainment.
Let’s discuss the key initiatives and what their impact on mental health could be in the new academic year.
1. The Expansion of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) 🧠
One of the most significant and direct mental health initiatives is the continued rollout of Mental Health Support Teams. These teams are made up of specialists who work directly with schools and colleges to provide early intervention for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health issues.
Impact on mental health: By the end of this academic year, a much larger proportion of pupils will have access to a MHST. The goal is to provide a “whole school approach” to mental health, which means not just reacting to crises, but also promoting well-being proactively. The teams provide timely advice to staff, helping them feel more confident and equipped to support students. This can reduce anxiety for both students and staff, and crucially, it aims to prevent issues from escalating and requiring more specialist support from overstretched services like CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). This early intervention is key to tackling the root causes of poor attendance and behaviour.
Change to expect in the new year: Schools and parents in areas where MHSTs are being introduced can expect to see more accessible on-site support. This will include interventions like group sessions to build resilience and one-to-one sessions for anxiety management. The government’s target is for all pupils to have access to these teams by 2029/30, so this year is a significant step towards that goal.
2. A Focus on Teacher Workload and Wellbeing 🍎
The Plan for Change recognises that you can’t have a mentally healthy school without mentally healthy staff. The government’s response to the Education Committee’s report on teacher recruitment and retention directly addresses the issues of workload and well-being.
Impact on mental health: High teacher workload is a primary driver of stress and burnout in the profession. Initiatives aimed at reducing red tape and using technology (like AI) to help with administrative tasks directly tackle this issue. The Education Staff Wellbeing Charter is another key part of this, with a growing number of schools signing up to a set of commitments to support staff mental health.
Change to expect in the new year: School leaders are being encouraged to use the Improve Workload and Wellbeing for School Staff service, which provides practical, peer-led advice on how to reduce unnecessary tasks. In the coming year, we can expect to see more schools implementing these strategies, with a focus on areas like flexible working and consolidating after-school commitments. The hope is that by reducing the burden on teachers, they will have more time and energy to focus on their students and their own well-being.
3. Early Years and “School Readiness” 🧸
The government has set a target for 75% of children to be “school ready” by 2028. This isn’t just about academic skills; it’s a holistic measure that also considers children’s physical and mental health.
Impact on mental health: This initiative acknowledges that a child’s mental and emotional health in their early years is a huge factor in their long-term success. By investing in programs that boost early language skills and social-emotional development, the government is aiming to give children a strong foundation. This can reduce the anxiety and stress that some children experience when they start school, and it can help identify those who need support much sooner.
Change to expect in the new year: Expect a continued focus on evidence-based early years interventions, such as the Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) and targeted support for parents and caregivers. The goal is to create a more integrated system between health, social care, and education to ensure no child slips through the cracks.
4. Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) 🤝
The SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan is backed by significant funding to create more specialist places and better support mainstream schools.
Impact on mental health: For students with SEND, the right support is crucial for their mental health. When a child’s needs aren’t met, it can lead to anxiety, frustration, and poor self-esteem. By investing in more specialist places and training for mainstream teachers, the plan aims to create a more inclusive environment where students feel understood and supported. The new national standards for SEND provision should also reduce parental stress by providing greater clarity and consistency.
Change to expect in the new year: More specialist places and a renewed push to train teachers on how to effectively use assistive technology to support neurodiverse children. This will help students with SEND feel more included and empowered in their learning environment, which is vital for their mental health and academic progress.
The new academic year is set to be one of tangible change, where well-being is not just a buzzword, but a key driver of policy and practice. The success of these initiatives will ultimately be measured by the positive impact they have on the day-to-day lives of students and staff.
Lily Blakeledge
The Team at AMHIE
August 2025
AMHIE Membership, help for you and your team to enact the plan for change in the new academic year through mental health and wellbeing support.
Get help to implement initiatives in the new academic year with AMHIE. We can help your team to develop and understand mental health and wellbeing using a whole school approach, as well as offer support, advice and resources to make things easier. contact our central team for guidance on how we can best support you: support@amhie.com or 02381120010.