BACKGROUND: Suicide in young people is a global priority and strengthening mental health support in education is central to England's suicide prevention strategy. Few studies have examined in detail the individual characteristics of higher-education students nationally who died by suicide. We aimed to describe individual and institutional characteristics of suspected student suicide, contact with support services, and adherence to sector guidance on serious incident investigations. METHODS: We used a national case-series design to identify suspected suicide deaths in higher-education students in the 2023-24 academic year (from Aug 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024). Anonymised serious incident reports were obtained from higher-education providers in England. Data were systematically extracted using a structured pro forma developed with bereaved families and sector organisations and charities. Serious incident reports were also assessed for adherence to national guidance. FINDINGS: Higher-education providers in England informed us of 107 suspected suicide deaths during the 2023-24 academic year. A serious incident report was completed for 86 of these deaths, of which 79 were obtained from 50 providers. Most students who died were men (50 71% of 70 with available data were men and 18 26% were women). Where known (n=24), mean age was 23·9 years (SD 7·0; range 19-47). Ethnicity was unknown for most students (70 89% of 79). Most students were undergraduates (45 71% of 63) who lived away from home (44 72% of 61). 11 (22%) of 50 deaths with available data occurred in university-managed or privately managed student accommodation. Six reports indicated potential suicide clusters. Mental health difficulties (45 62% of 73), academic problems (38 52% of 73), and neurodivergence (30 41% of 73) were the most common features reported before death, often alongside relationship problems (24 33% of 73), self-harm (16 22% of 73), social isolation (11 15% of 73), housing or financial problems (15 21% of 73), and violence (nine 12% of 73). 52 (69%) of 75 students had previous contact with university support services, although reports highlighted recurring issues with access to support, information sharing, monitoring engagement, and joint working between academic and pastoral supports. Despite national guidance, family involvement in serious incident investigations was only reported for 19 (24%) of 79. INTERPRETATION: A range of actions, including prioritising mental health on campus and offering targeted support to those at risk (eg, neurodivergent or financially insecure students) could contribute to suicide prevention. Universities should ensure the safety of accommodation and routinely involve families in an independent investigation process, promoting openness and transparency from the earliest point. FUNDING: UK Department for Education.
Rodway et al. (Thu,) studied this question.