Pupils with poor mental health are three times less likely to pass five GCSEs, a study has concluded.
Researchers say teenagers who have lost learning time because of the Covid-19 pandemic face a double blow because of the crisis's effect on their mental health.
The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) study found an independent association between mental difficulties and educational achievement, with boys affected more than girls.
The study, published in the BMJ Open journal, argues that improving mental health can narrow the attainment gap at GCSE level by boosting the performance of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are more likely to have mental health difficulties.
Dr Neil Smith, who led the study at NatCen, said: “As the school year comes to an end, young people are facing a double hit to their educational prospects. First, disruption to schooling caused by the pandemic has directly impacted on learning.
“Second, the pandemic has adversely affected many young people's mental health, and it’s likely those whose mental health was affected the most by the pandemic will face greater difficulties in making up for learning time that’s been lost.”
A UK Government spokesman said: “We are prioritising support for children’s mental health and wellbeing alongside academic recovery.
“We are also investing millions specifically for more mental health teams working with schools and colleges.”
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