Inclusion and wellbeing: keys to school success

On the occasion of European Mental Health Week 2025 (19–25 May), the European Commission organised a webinar to launch the self-assessment tool on inclusion and wellbeing and illustrate work done at European level to support this crucial topic.

Mental health and educational performance

In the first contribution, Pia Ahrenkilde-Hansen, the European Commission Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, reminded that mental health challenges are increasing among adolescents, especially girls.

‘1 in 7 young people globally suffer from mental health issues 
such as depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders.’

Research has shown that mental health affects educational performance – for example, OECD’s PISA data shows that a sense of belonging improves academic achievement in mathematics, while bullying reduces it.

To address these challenges, education systems are putting more emphasis on developing cognitive, social and emotional skills together.

Promoting wellbeing at school is high on the EU-policy agenda: the recently launched Action Plan on Basic Skills and the earlier Pathways to School Success initiative are important instruments in this regard. The European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme continues to support projects focused on mental health and wellbeing in schools.

Guidelines for a whole-system, whole-school approach

Dr. Anna van Duijvenvoorde, a developmental psychologist at Leiden University, presented the guidelines on wellbeing and mental health at school developed by an EU expert group.

The guidelines illustrate a whole-system, whole-school model based on nine pillars that are needed to nurture wellbeing and mental health in a whole-school approach, and are highly interconnected and overlying.

Image: Whole-school approach to wellbeing and mental health by European Commission

The model operates on three levels:

• Universal support for all pupils and staff
• Targeted support for at-risk pupils
• Individualised support for those with significant needs, involving health professionals

The same levels are followed in the guideline recommendations:
 

The expert also singled out teacher wellbeing as a crucial element impacting pupil wellbeing. Teacher wellbeing is declining due to different factors such as lack of adequate resources, support and training. This can weaken the attractiveness of the teaching profession, leading to teacher shortages. Professional development and systemic change – backed up by collaboration, co-creation and reflection – are central to long-term impact.

How inclusive is your school?

Cosmin Nada, senior consultant and education expert on inclusive education, presented the self-assessment tool on inclusion and wellbeing. Hosted on the European School Education Platform, the tool is designed to help schools to evaluate and improveschool policies and practices.

The self-assessment consists of an online questionnaire covering six indicators, with multiple choice responses:

1. School organisation and pedagogical practice (early warning systems, data monitoring)
2. Inclusion and wellbeing promotion (positive school climate, social/emotional education)
3. Teacher and school leadership (continuous professional development, teacher wellbeing)
4. Multidisciplinary focus (cross-sector collaboration, mental health services)
5. Vulnerable groups and individuals (supporting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds)
6. Parental involvement and family support (parent education programmes).

After responding to the questions, the tool generates a personalised report that highlights strengths and areas for development, along with recommended resources.

The tool is based on a comprehensive,  whole-school approach that spans across sectors, emphasising collaborative action among teachers, school leaders, families and community service providers. It promotes best practices from across Europe that can be adapted to local contexts.

Webinar recording

Watch the full webinar recording here: