Creating Smoke Free School Gates for a Healthier Future

Brookside Primary School in Bicester is setting a fantastic example for schools across Oxfordshire by championing the Smoke Free School Gate initiative.

Working in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, Brookside’s pupils took the lead in researching the dangers of second-hand smoke. With support from staff and the council, they created educational materials for parents and carers, aiming to normalise healthy, smoke free environments for all children and young people.

The impact has been immediate and positive: behaviours around the school gates have changed, and some families have even started their own quitting journeys.

Brookside’s efforts were timed to coincide with Stoptober, further raising awareness and supporting families who want to stop smoking. As part of their “Healthy Me” week during Stoptober, Brookside welcomed the Solutions4Health Smokefree Oxon bus, which delivered interactive sessions to Year 6 pupils. Children learned about the risks of smoking and passive smoking, tested their breath on a carbon monoxide meter, and explored props like a jar of tar and a model of lungs.

These sessions sparked curiosity and meaningful conversations, with children eager to share what they’d learned.

Brookside’s story shows how schools can make a real difference in promoting smoke free environments and supporting families to quit.

If your school would like to get involved or find out more about the Smoke Free School Gate initiative, visit the Oxfordshire County Council website