A new study has found that academic pressure at age 15 significantly increases the risk of depression and self-harm well into early adulthood. Researchers at University College London analysed data from nearly 5,000 young people born in 1991–1992, tracking their mental health from ages 16 to 24. The findings, published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, show that every extra point of academic pressure at 15 raised the likelihood of depression by 25% and self-harm by 8% by age 16, with effects persisting into the early 20s.
The study also revealed that higher academic pressure at school was associated with greater mental ill health. For each one-point increase in school stress, 24-year-olds were 16% more likely to report ever having attempted suicide compared with those who experienced less pressure. Lead author Professor Gemma Lewis of UCL said: 'Young people report that academic pressure is one of their biggest sources of stress. A certain amount of pressure can be motivating, but too much may be detrimental to mental health.'
The research suggests reducing the number of high-stakes tests to lower academic stress and recommends whole-school initiatives, such as enhancing social and emotional learning and relaxation skills. Families are advised to reduce academic pressure and encourage physical activity, socialising, and sleep. The findings align with a Young Minds survey showing that nearly two-thirds of 15- to 18-year-olds struggled to cope before GCSEs and A-levels, with two-fifths reporting worsened mental health.
Paul Noblet of Young Minds said: 'The evidence could not be clearer: academic pressures harm young people’s mental health. The focus needs to shift from end-of-year exams to a mix of assessment methods.' Dr Sam Jones of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health called for national action to improve children’s wellbeing, including tackling child poverty and reducing school stress. The Children’s Commissioner, Rachel de Souza, urged a new system that supports children’s needs in school and intervenes earlier.
A government spokesperson said: 'This government is determined to see every child achieve and thrive, which means encouraging pupils to work hard while also helping them manage stress and build resilience. Mental health support teams are already intervening early with children experiencing mild to moderate issues.'
