Recent OECD reports emphasise ten key steps to equity in education, with concrete
targets related to low attainment and early school leaving. Such steps, however, neglect
the importance of emotional dimensions to early school leaving and the consequent need for system level emotional supports. The current study involves qualitative research
interviews with senior government officials and secondary school management
representatives across eight European countries, with a particular focus on school climate and emotional support issues. Issues raised by interviewees for students at risk of early school leaving include supports for withdrawn children, for those at risk of suicide and those being bullied at school affecting their nonattendance. Other emerging themes
include alternatives to suspension and teacher education for improving their conflict
resolution skills. Some interviewees explicitly observe the dearth of emotional support
services available in practice in their countries. The pervasive policy gaps across national levels for a mental health and emotional support strategy, as part of an early school leaving prevention strategy, requires serious and immediate attention.