This World Mental Health Day, we’re reflecting on powerful new research from Loughborough University and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that reinforces what we at Bright Futures UK see every day; that mental health and education are deeply connected.
The study, which analysed data from 1.1 million children aged 5 to 16 across England, found a clear and concerning link between school attendance and mental wellbeing.
Children who miss school are significantly more likely to experience mental ill health — and those struggling with their mental health are more likely to be absent. It’s a vicious cycle where absence and poor mental health feed each other, making it harder for young people to re-engage with education and recover their confidence. Young people experiencing serious and/or chronic illness are at an even greater risk of falling into this cycle.
The Research: A Vicious Cycle Between Absence and Mental Health
According to the ONS and Loughborough study:
- Absences from school contribute significantly to children experiencing mental health issues.
- The probability of a child experiencing mental ill health rises from 1.82% with no absence to 3.7% with 20% absence, and to 5.27% with 30% absence.
- Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), chronic health conditions, or Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans are at even higher risk.
- The relationship is two-way, children with a mental health condition miss almost three times more school (16% of sessions) than those without (6%).
- Encouragingly, the study found that pupils receiving additional school support, such as SEND provision, EHC plans, or free school meals, experienced less of an increase in absence, suggesting that targeted support does make a real difference.
Dr. Simona Rasciute from Loughborough University, who led the econometric analysis, explained:
“Our research shows a clear feedback loop between children’s school attendance and their mental health. When children miss school, they are more likely to struggle with their mental health, and their poorer mental health further contributes to additional school absences.”
This reinforces something we’ve long understood at Bright Futures UK: that education and wellbeing cannot be separated.
Our Response: Supporting Young People Through Connection, Confidence, and Care
For many of the young people we support, school absence isn’t a choice. Chronic illness, hospital stays, or recovery periods can lead to weeks, months, or even years out of the classroom. But absence doesn’t have to mean isolation.
At Bright Futures UK, our mission is to make sure that young people facing serious or chronic illness don’t fall through the cracks, academically or emotionally. We provide tailored educational support to help them stay connected, keep learning, and feel included.
Our tutors and mentors work one-to-one with young people not just to help them catch up on lessons, but to help them rebuild confidence, motivation, and a sense of belonging.
And the results speak for themselves: 82% of young people say they feel more socially included after taking part in our programmes.
For us, that’s what success looks like, not just grades, but growth.
Real Stories, Real Impact
A teenager with leukaemia and autism, once written off by other organisations, found not only tailored learning with us but genuine connection with tutors who understood him.
A 17-year-old, too anxious to return to school after illness, rebuilt her confidence through months of Bright Futures’ support, and is now back in the classroom full-time.
These stories are proof that when young people feel seen, supported, and connected, everything changes.
Building Brighter Futures
The new research from Loughborough University and the ONS is a powerful reminder that supporting children’s mental health starts with keeping them connected to education and community.
At Bright Futures UK, we’re proud to be part of that solution, breaking the cycle between absence and mental ill health, one young person at a time.
Because when we put wellbeing first, young people don’t just catch up, they shine. 🌟
Read the full ONS and Loughborough University study here:
