September saw the publication of the results of a survey of 10,000 secondary school pupils. The OxWell School Survey is a repeated cross-sectional, self-report survey on children and adolescents’ mental health and well-being, commencing in 2019. The 2020 survey was completed during June-July either on school premises or from home due to partial school closures during the first COVID-19 UK national lockdown.

Universities UK (UUK), in partnership with PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, has published recommendations calling on universities to be more proactive in preventing student suicides. Suicides in student populations is relatively rare, as with any death by suicide it has a large impact. The new guidance sets out how and when universities should involve families, carers, and trusted others when there are serious concerns about the safety or mental health of a student.