INTENT: Equipping Schools to Lead the Way in Tobacco Prevention
Help Your Students Stay Smoke-Free: Sign Up for INTENT Today
Each year, around 207,000 children in the UK start smoking, with nearly 40% beginning before age 16. Early smoking is linked to heavier use, greater difficulty quitting, and increased risk of serious health issues. Children with family members who smoke are three times more likely to start themselves.
The INTENT programme offers schools a powerful, evidence-based way to prevent smoking and vaping among young people. Developed by researchers at the University of Leeds, INTENT helps students create Personal Plans—known as Implementation Intentions—to stay smoke-free by preparing them for real-life situations where they might feel pressure to smoke or vape.
What is INTENT?
INTENT is a proven intervention that:
- Reduces smoking initiation by 25.6%
- Makes students 14% less likely to smoke regularly
- Builds resilience and decision-making skills
- Now includes vaping prevention sessions for Years 7 and 8
How Does It Work in Schools?
- Train the Trainer model: Teachers receive a 60-minute online or self-led training session.
- Lesson delivery: Staff then deliver two 45–60 minute lessons, at least three months apart, to students in Years 7–10.
- Curriculum alignment: Lessons are interactive, curriculum-aligned, and supported by high-quality resources.
- PSHE integration: INTENT fits well within PSHE/RSE and supports the PSHE Association Programme of Study.
Why Get Involved?
By taking part, your school will:
- Equip students with practical tools to resist peer pressure
- Support long-term health and wellbeing
- Contribute to reducing smoking-related harm across Oxfordshire
Sign Up Now
Training is free and available to all Oxfordshire secondary schools. To register, see the INTENT poster (PDF, 201kb) and sign up for training via the schools portal.
Let’s work together to protect the next generation from the harms of smoking and vaping.