In 2025, supporting mental health in education is no longer an optional extra—it's a professional imperative. With increasing pressures on both students and staff, the UK education system is placing a renewed emphasis on mental health support strategies. Teachers, teaching assistants, and school leaders are often the first line of defence when it comes to spotting the signs of mental health issues. But what does effective support look like in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape?

In this guide, we explore the top seven mental health support strategies every UK educator should be equipped with in 2025. These aren't just theoretical models; they are practical, evidence-based approaches designed to make a tangible difference in the lives of students and staff alike.

1. Creating a Trauma-Informed School Culture

Understanding trauma and its impact on behaviour is now foundational for any educator. A trauma-informed approach recognises the signs of trauma and integrates knowledge into policies, procedures, and everyday interactions.

Why it matters: According to Public Health England, nearly half of all children in care have a diagnosable mental health condition. Trauma doesn't just impact learning—it reshapes the brain's development and affects behaviour regulation.

What educators can do:

• Use emotionally regulated language and avoid punitive reactions.

• Create predictable routines to foster a sense of safety.

• Access training in trauma-informed care, such as through Care Training Courses Essex UK.

Example in practice: A secondary school in Manchester implemented trauma-informed training for all staff. As a result, suspensions dropped by 38% and students reported feeling safer at school.

2. Embedding Mental Health Education in the Curriculum

Mental health literacy is as vital as physical health education. By integrating topics like emotional regulation, stress management, and resilience into everyday teaching, schools can normalise these discussions.

Why it matters: A study by the Anna Freud Centre found that 67% of young people want to learn more about mental health in school, but only 34% feel it's adequately addressed.

How to implement it:

• Use PSHE lessons to focus on wellbeing themes.

• Create cross-curricular opportunities (e.g., journaling in English, brain science in Biology).

• Incorporate feedback from students about the topics they want to explore.

Link with training: Courses like the Oliver McGowan Training Tier 2 offer valuable insights into neurodiversity and can deepen staff understanding.

3. Prioritising Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health

Educators can't pour from an empty cup. Supporting student wellbeing starts with ensuring staff feel mentally and emotionally supported.

Why it matters: The Education Support Partnership reported that 78% of school staff experienced stress or anxiety related to their role in the past year.

Support strategies include:

• Providing regular supervision and mental health check-ins.

• Promoting flexible working arrangements.

• Offering access to counselling or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).

Internal resource: Find guidance on staff training in health and social care to understand how a culture of care benefits the whole organisation.

Case study: A primary school in Essex implemented a 'Wellbeing Wednesday' with no meetings, a shared staff lunch, and wellbeing workshops. Teacher retention improved by 22% in a year.

4. Utilising Early Intervention and Risk Identification Tools

Spotting signs of mental distress early can prevent long-term issues. With technology and staff training, schools can now intervene more effectively.

How it helps: Early intervention has been proven to improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of escalation.

What tools to use:

• Mental health tracking apps.

• Behavioural observation logs.

• Designated safeguarding leads trained in risk indicators.

Training support: Courses like the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Provider enhance professionals’ ability to identify and support vulnerable pupils.

Example: A Year 9 student showing declining attendance and sudden mood shifts was referred for CAMHS support through early identification by a vigilant tutor, significantly reducing school refusal episodes.

5. Implementing Whole-School Wellbeing Policies

A piecemeal approach doesn't work. Schools must embed wellbeing into their ethos, mission, and policies.

Key components:

• Clear mental health policy co-developed with stakeholders.

• Designated Mental Health Leads.

• Ongoing staff training and review mechanisms.

Why it works: When wellbeing is prioritised at an institutional level, it promotes consistent responses and reinforces the importance of mental health.

Stat to know: According to the DfE, 66% of schools with a designated wellbeing policy saw improvements in behaviour and academic performance.

6. Empowering Students Through Peer Support Systems

Peer-to-peer support is increasingly being recognised as a valuable component of school mental health.

Why it matters: Young people often feel more comfortable speaking to peers than adults about their emotional struggles.

What it looks like:

• Peer mentoring programmes.

• Mental health ambassador roles.

• Training for student listeners.

Effective model: A school in Kent developed a student-led mental health committee that organised peer drop-in sessions and awareness campaigns, reducing stigma and improving self-referrals.

Support training: Equip staff and students with appropriate support frameworks such as physical intervention training that includes de-escalation techniques.

7. Collaborating with External Agencies and Families

Schools can't do it alone. Effective mental health support often requires a multi-agency approach.

What this includes:

• Liaising with CAMHS, GPs, and social care.

• Engaging parents/carers in support plans.

• Referring to third-sector organisations and charities.

Example: A school in Birmingham partnered with a local youth counselling service, reducing waiting times for mental health support and achieving faster intervention.

Expert insight: Shreeji Training’s courses, such as the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Provider, provide educators with the collaborative tools needed to effectively work across services.

Final Thoughts

The mental health landscape in UK education is undergoing a vital transformation. As we move further into 2025, schools must prioritise proactive, compassionate, and collaborative approaches to mental wellbeing.

From trauma-informed teaching to structured peer support systems, the strategies outlined here are more than just trends—they are critical components of a healthier, more inclusive school environment.

By investing in quality training such as those offered by Shreeji Training, educators can gain the skills they need to not only support others but also sustain their own wellbeing.

Because in education, mental health isn't just part of the job—it’s the foundation for everything else.

Source : https://medium.com/@shreejitraining11/top-7-mental-health-support-strategies-every-uk-educator-should-know-in-2025-6e91698ac1a3