Have you ever felt so anxious that you couldn’t concentrate in class? Or maybe you’ve had days when you’re overwhelmed and just want to be left alone. These feelings are more common than many people think. But for some young people, they’re not just occasional—they’re part of everyday life. When that happens, it might be a sign of something called SEMH.
In the UK, thousands of children and teenagers have what’s known as Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. These needs can make school much harder, not because the students aren't smart, but because they’re dealing with emotional and mental challenges that get in the way of learning, focusing, and coping with school life.
In this article, we’ll explain what SEMH means, how it affects young people in the UK, and what can be done to make school better and fairer for everyone.
SEMH stands for Social, Emotional, and Mental Health. It’s a term used to describe children and young people who have difficulty managing their emotions or behaviour in a way that allows them to learn and interact like their peers.
Young people with SEMH needs might:
SEMH is a special educational need (SEN), just like a learning difficulty or physical disability. It’s not always visible, and some students might hide how they’re feeling. But just because it can’t be seen, doesn’t mean it’s not real.
The truth is, students with SEMH needs often don’t get the support they need in school. In the UK, the statistics show just how serious this issue is:
These numbers are shocking—and unfair. They show that young people with SEMH are falling behind, not because they aren’t capable, but because they’re not being supported properly. When you feel anxious, unsafe, or misunderstood, it’s incredibly hard to focus on lessons, revise for exams, or enjoy school at all.
There’s no single cause of SEMH needs, and they can affect anyone, no matter their background. Some possible causes include:
For some, these issues start at home. For others, they may develop in school or during big life changes. Every student’s experience is different, and it’s important to treat each situation with care and understanding.
Because SEMH needs can show up in different ways, it’s easy for teachers and other students to misunderstand what’s going on. A learner with SEMH might:
Sadly, some of these behaviours are often labelled as "bad behaviour,” when they’re actually signs that someone is struggling and needs support, not punishment.
The good news is that with the right support, young people with SEMH needs can thrive in school. Here are some things that can make a big difference:
1. Trained Teachers and Support Staff
Teachers should receive proper training to understand mental health, behaviour, and trauma. A student who is acting out might be doing so because they’re in pain, not because they want to cause trouble.
2. Safe Spaces
Some schools have quiet rooms or wellbeing hubs where students can go if they feel overwhelmed. These calm environments can help learners reset and return to class feeling more in control.
3. Counselling and Mental Health Support
Having a school counsellor or mental health worker available can give students someone to talk to about their feelings. Early help can stop problems from getting worse.
4. Individual Learning Plans
Not everyone learns in the same way. Some students might need extra time, fewer distractions, or one-to-one support. A personalised plan can help them learn at their own pace.
5. Peer Support and Anti-Bullying Work
Schools that promote kindness, understanding, and respect create an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome. Programs that focus on inclusion and student voice can be powerful.
You don’t have to be a teacher or mental health expert to make a difference. If you know someone who might be struggling with SEMH needs:
Even just smiling at someone or saying "hi” can brighten their day more than you realise.
If you think you might have SEMH needs, it’s okay. You’re not alone—and there’s help out there. Here are some steps you can take:
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
No young person should be left behind because of their mental health. Everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed—no matter their challenges. Understanding SEMH and talking openly about mental health is the first step toward making schools more supportive and fair for all students.
If we want to change those statistics—like the fact that only 30% of SEMH learners get qualifications by age 20—we need to act now. That means better support in schools, more awareness, and a lot more kindness from everyone.
Remember: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. And you are never alone.
