Student Suicide Rates in England and Wales: A Desperate Reality

The Office for National Statistics has published analysis suggesting an average of 160 higher education students in England and Wales take their own life each year. The findings have revealed that male students, undergraduates, and part-time students are at the greatest risk of suicide. Moreover, students living in their own home, rather than in halls of residence or with family, are also at a higher risk. The ONS has provided an aggregated analysis of student suicides between August 2016 and July 2023, shedding light on the characteristics of these tragic events.

Key Takeaways:

• The average number of higher education student suicides in England and Wales is approximately 160 each year, with an average of 6.9 deaths per 100,000 students.
• Male students have a higher rate of suicide (10.4 deaths per 100,000) compared to female students (4.3 deaths per 100,000).
• Undergraduate students, both male and female, have a higher rate of suicide (10.2 and 4.1 deaths per 100,000, respectively) compared to postgraduates (7.8 and 3.5).
• Part-time students, particularly males, have the highest rate of suicide (12.8 and 6.2 deaths per 100,000).
• Students living in their own accommodation have a higher rate of suicide (7.1 per 100,000) compared to those living in university halls of residence (6.6), private sector halls (5.4), or with parents or family (3.8).
• The suicide rate for males in higher education students is higher (10.4 deaths per 100,000) compared to female students (4.3 deaths per 100,000), consistent with trends in the general population.
• The age group of 20 and under has lower suicide rates (4.6 deaths per 100,000), compared to other age groups, with rates remaining relatively stable (7.9, 8.9, and 8.7 per 100,000) for students aged 21-24, 25-29, and 30 and over.

Statistics:

• Average number of higher education student suicides in England and Wales: approximately 160 each year.
• Average rate of student suicides: 6.9 deaths per 100,000 students.
• Male students: 10.4 deaths per 100,000 students.
• Female students: 4.3 deaths per 100,000 students.
• Undergraduate students (male and female): 10.2 and 4.1 deaths per 100,000, respectively.
• Postgraduate students (male and female): 7.8 and 3.5 deaths per 100,000, respectively.
• Part-time students (male and female): 12.8 and 6.2 deaths per 100,000, respectively.
• Students living in their own accommodation: 7.1 deaths per 100,000.

Sources:

• Office for National Statistics (ONS)
• National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH)
• Department for Education
• University of Manchester
• The Government