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Baroness Spielman: Schools Must Prioritize Academics Over Mental Health

9/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Baroness Spielman, former Ofsted head, criticises schools for overemphasizing mental health, calling them 'therapeutic institutions'.
She says schools should prioritise academics, not urging children to name negative emotions.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson aims to cut absences tied to mental health with guidance.
Guidance cautions against self-diagnosing normal feelings; NHS data show a rise from 19% to 23.3%.

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Story summary

Baroness Spielman, former Ofsted head, criticises schools for overemphasizing mental health, calling them 'therapeutic institutions'.
She says schools should prioritise academics, not urging children to name negative emotions.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson aims to cut absences tied to mental health with guidance.
Guidance cautions against self-diagnosing normal feelings; NHS data show a rise from 19% to 23.3%.