In this pilot study, a number of different methods of identifying young people with eating disorders in schools were compared. Pupils aged 16-18 years from 3 schools in the South West of the UK participated (389 boys and 374 girls in total). A self-report questionnaire (EDE-Q) was found to be the most effective method of case identification. However, very few of these cases accepted the offer of help and it was strongly suspected that other cases went undetected despite teacher, parent and school nurse guidance. Implications for future early intervention studies are discussed.