A 2-year universal school-based mental health programme using cognitive-behavioural therapeutic (CBT) approach was carried out in 7 secondary schools from 2009 to 2011 in Hong Kong.In the first year, a 12-session psycho-educational programme was taught by counselling postgraduates while school teachers observed in each session (professional-led).In the second year, school teachers became the programme instructors with pre-service training during summer holiday to strengthen their knowledge and skills in conducting the programme (teacher-led).