A coroner has issued a warning to a Southampton university about the "significant" impact the Covid pandemic has had on the mental health of its students.
Christopher Wilkinson's comments come after University of Southampton engineering undergraduate Matthew Wickes killed himself on the day his exam results were due to be released on June 30, 2022.
The "highly intelligent" 21-year-old was on track for a first-class degree before his academic scores began to tail off.
An inquest heard that Matthew, who may have been suffering from long Covid, missed several meetings with his project supervisor and then submitted work he felt "did not cut the mustard".
Just before his results were due to be published he left his girlfriend's accommodation and jumped from a bridge in the city.
Matthew Wickes, 21, was a student at the University of Southampton. His inquest was held last year (Image: Newsquest.)
The inquest at Winchester Coroner's Court concluded that Mr Wickes, who was autistic, was suffering from an "acute anxiety crisis" because he thought he had failed his third year.
Now, Mr Wilkinson, senior coroner for Hampshire, has questioned the amount of support the student received from staff.
In a Prevention of Future Deaths report addressed to the university, he wrote: "I am concerned about the level of awareness, understanding and curiosity of academic staff around the mental health of students."
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Mr Wilkinson cited the "evident gap" between the academic assessment of students and the pastoral support they received.
He added: "Action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your organisation have the power to take such action."
The inquest into Matthew's death was held at Winchester Coroner's Court in August 2023 (Image: Newsquest.)
Giving evidence at the inquest last August, Matthew's father, Stuart Wickes, said his son initially coped well with university life, despite not telling staff of his autism.
However, his second and third years were blighted by Covid and resultant lockdowns, leading to a "lowering" in the social confidence he had built up in his first year.
Prof Tim Norton, head of school at the University of Southampton, admitted that Matthew's non-attendance was flagged in April by student support but was not followed up.
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A University of Southampton spokesperson said: "We were all deeply saddened by Matthew’s death.
"We hear and understand the coroner’s concerns and are committed to providing our students with what they need to feel safe and supported during their time here.
“A new system to identify changing patterns of attendance at timetabled taught sessions is now in place, and this will help us identify those students who may need further support.
“There is more work to do and we will make sure our wellbeing support continues to evolve and improve.”
- Call Samaritans on 116 123 for support
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