BrainWaves Living Well 2026 Keynote Interviewer: Mental wellbeing in schools: The policy challenges

In this very exciting finale to the conference, Sarah Montague will interview Professor Michael Thomas, Chief Scientific Editor for the Department for Education about the current, major challenges around young people’s mental health and how this affects both policy and practice in schools. 

This exclusive interview will allow you to:

• Put your questions and concerns direct to the DfE’s Chief Scientific Adviser
• Get insights into the latest DfE policy decisions into mental health and wellbeing
• Ensure your school’s wellbeing policy is aligned with the government’s strategic direction 

If you’d like to submit a question in advance, please click here. 

About Sarah

Sarah Montague is an acclaimed British broadcast journalist and a leading voice on BBC Radio. She currently serves as the lead anchor for BBC Radio 4’s lunchtime current affairs programme, The World at One.

Over a distinguished three-decade career, Sarah has spent 18 years as a regular presenter on the flagship Today programme and has fronted prominent shows including Newsnight, BBC Breakfast, and HARDtalk.