Abstract
Mental health problems have been rising internationally. The link between poor mental health and low educational outcomes is particularly interesting in the case of the UK which has a low international ranking both on measures of child wellbeing and the probability of early drop-out from the labour market and education. We study this issue using a large longitudinal study of a recent cohort of teenagers in England. We use the General Health Questionnaire to derive measures of poor mental health. We find a large negative association between being at risk of poor mental health and educational outcomes — where we consider examination results before leaving compulsory education and the probability of being ‘not in education, employment or training’ at a young age. Results are stronger for girls and also vary according to the different components of the mental health measure. It is important for practitioners and policy makers to pay attention to symptoms of poor mental health.
•We find a strong association between poor mental health and education/drop-out.•Anhedonia and social dysfunction’ is the most influential component.•The mental health/drop-out association is not attributable to exam performance.•A simple screening device is a useful predictor of mental health and vulnerability.