Prevention of severe mental health difficulties could transform outcomes for younger people. This study aims to examine whether social and educational risk factors recorded before the end of year 11 (when pupils are typically aged 16) can predict severe mental health difficulties in the following years. Current policy aims for rapid access to effective early intervention. Developing strategies to achieve this would be helped by identifying priority groups.

This research will inform the evidence base to help services identify who is at the greatest risk of severe mental health difficulties by addressing the following research question:

In English state secondary school pupils, which educational and social factors are associated with:

• Psychiatric related attendance to A&E after year 11?

• Unplanned psychiatric related inpatient admissions after year 11?