Study Shows One in Four Year 8 Students in England May Have Mental Health Disorders

A recent national longitudinal study, Growing Up in the 2020s, indicates that one in four Year 8 students in England meet the criteria for a probable mental health disorder. This study, part of the Department for Education’s Education Outcome Pathway Studies program, examines nearly 8,000 12- and 13-year-olds and establishes a baseline for their lives as they progress through secondary school and into early adulthood.

The findings reveal that 19% of the students are persistently absent from school, defined as missing at least 10% of possible sessions. The study includes data from 7,811 young individuals, along with input from parents, teachers, cognitive assessments, and educational records.

While most students reported positive relationships and high life satisfaction—94% felt neutral or happy about their lives overall—there are concerning trends. Notably, 25% met the study's criteria for a probable mental health disorder, and over a third, 37%, did not feel a sense of belonging at school. Additionally, only 17% met the recommended guideline of engaging in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

Disparities are stark among disadvantaged students. Among those eligible for free school meals, 36% met the probable mental health disorder criteria, compared to 20% of their peers not in this category. For students receiving special educational needs (SEN) provision, the figures are even more alarming—54% met the criteria compared to 17% of those without SEN needs. Attendance gaps also widen with 34% of students eligible for free school meals being persistently absent, versus 13% of those not eligible.

The researchers utilized the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to assess mental health, clarifying that meeting the threshold does not equate to a clinical diagnosis. They caution against attributing these disparities to causation; this initial wave of research aims to outline young people's experiences and identify varied outcomes among different groups.

Growing Up in the 2020s follows a random sample of students from state schools during the 2024 to 2025 academic year. The study specifically oversampled students eligible for free school meals to thoroughly examine socioeconomic factors. Future waves will delve into mental and physical health, family dynamics, friendships, school engagement, and the digital environment affecting these adolescents as they transition towards adulthood.