Fewer than half of post-16 students are covered by the government’s mental health support teams, despite ministers today claiming they are on track to roll out the service to every school and college by 2029. New Department for Education data showed 42 per cent of 16-18-year-old students are in settings now covered by a mental health support team (MHST), compared to 79 per cent of secondary school pupils and 56 per cent of primary pupils. MHSTs began rolling out in 2018. They are designed to help young people aged 5 to 18 with mild to moderate mental health issues stay in education through “evidence-based interventions”, and supply school and college leaders with expert advice on their mental health and wellbeing policies. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.