Health and education have traditionally been treated as separate policy areas in Australia, with one focused on treating illness and the other on academic performance. However, a growing body of research confirms what many teachers, parents and health professionals have long understood: the two are deeply connected. If Australia is to become a healthier, more equitable society, schools may be one of the most powerful tools to drive that change.

There is extensive evidence that higher levels of education are linked to better health outcomes. People with more education tend to live longer, report better mental health, avoid chronic illness and access preventative health services more regularly. But the relationship is not one-way. A child's health, including their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, can have a significant impact on their ability to learn. Poor nutrition, untreated hearing or vision problems, and unaddressed trauma or anxiety can all act as barriers to learning. These early disadvantages can follow a child into adulthood, affecting both health and opportunity.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare classifies education as one of the key social determinants of health, alongside income, housing and employment. These are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. According to the Institute, social determinants can have a greater influence on health outcomes than medical care or individual lifestyle choices.

The link between disadvantage and poor health is particularly evident in low socio-economic communities. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience poor health and less likely to complete school. The 2023 NAPLAN results revealed widening gaps in literacy and numeracy between students in wealthier areas and those in more disadvantaged regions. These academic gaps closely mirror long-term health inequalities. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where health outcomes are consistently worse than the national average, improved access to education and culturally appropriate health services are both vital to closing the gap.

Recognising this, many schools across Australia are beginning to take a broader view of their role. Increasingly, schools are not only places of learning but also settings for holistic health support. In Victoria, the Doctors in Secondary Schools program places general practitioners on school grounds one day a week, allowing students to access medical care in a familiar environment without missing class. The program, which began in 2017, has been praised for reaching students who might otherwise go without healthcare, particularly for sensitive issues such as mental and sexual health.

Queensland’s school-based youth health nurse program offers support on topics ranging from nutrition and relationships to mental health referrals. Breakfast clubs in many schools ensure students begin the day with something to eat, a simple but effective way to improve focus and mood. These services are especially important in rural and regional areas, where access to health professionals is often limited. By bringing services into schools, students are more likely to seek help early, leading to better outcomes and less strain on hospitals.

Mental health among young people is a growing concern. According to the 2023 Headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey, nearly 40 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 25 reported high or very high levels of psychological distress. Schools are increasingly viewed as a key point of contact for identifying and supporting students experiencing mental health issues. National frameworks such as Be You, led by Beyond Blue, offer guidance to schools on how to create supportive learning environments, identify at-risk students and respond to critical incidents.

Despite these efforts, many schools struggle to provide adequate support. Counsellors and wellbeing coordinators are often in short supply, especially in public schools. The Australian Education Union has recommended a minimum of one full-time psychologist per 500 students, a target that remains unmet in many areas.

Improving health outcomes also requires stronger health literacy. This refers to the ability to find, understand and use information to make informed decisions about health. In a world increasingly shaped by misinformation, particularly online, health literacy is more important than ever. Integrating health education into the school curriculum can help young people develop skills for life. This involves going beyond biology to include topics such as mental wellbeing, navigating healthcare systems, digital health, respectful relationships and media literacy.
Programs like Life Ed, formerly known as Life Education, have long played a role in this area. With the help of mascot Healthy Harold, they deliver age-appropriate lessons on topics such as drugs, nutrition and emotional health. However, many experts argue that a more consistent and comprehensive approach is needed, one that starts in early childhood and continues through to secondary school.

Investing in education is not only about developing future workers. It is also a public health strategy. Supporting young people to stay healthy and engaged in school reduces the likelihood of long-term disadvantage. This means embedding health services into school communities, equipping educators with the training and resources they need to support students, and treating education policy as a key part of health policy.

In a time when both the education and health systems are under pressure, closer collaboration is not only sensible but necessary. The classroom may not resemble a hospital, but for many young Australians, it is the first and most consistent place they receive care.