Positive trends in vaping and smoking among Oxfordshire pupils – and how schools can build on this success
More than 3,000 secondary‑aged pupils across Oxfordshire recently shared their views on vaping, smoking and nicotine, providing valuable insight to support ongoing prevention work in schools.
The findings are encouraging and align with wider national trends, showing that the majority of young people are making positive choices:
- 79% of pupils have never vaped
- 88% have never smoked
- Daily use remains low (vaping 3.4%, smoking 0.6%)
Importantly, rates of daily smoking and vaping have decreased since 2023, reinforcing that prevention and education in schools are making a real difference.
Over half of pupils reported receiving information about vaping, smoking and nicotine in school — showing that key messages are reaching young people and supporting informed decision‑making.
INTENT: Supporting schools to deliver high‑quality prevention
The INTENT smoking and vaping prevention programme provides a practical, evidence‑based framework to support delivery of the new RSHE requirements.
- Fully aligned with PSHE curriculum objectives
- Simple to deliver with minimal preparation
- Includes structured lessons across Years 7–10
- Proven impact – students are 25.6% less likely to take up smoking
- Highly rated by teachers, with 73% rating it ‘good’ or ‘excellent’
All Oxfordshire secondary schools have free, lifelong access to INTENT through Oxfordshire County Council, making it an easy and sustainable option for embedding prevention into your curriculum.
Take action now – training available
To ensure you are ready for September, schools are encouraged to book staff onto upcoming INTENT training sessions:
- 15 June (3:45pm to 4:45pm)
- 9 July (3:45pm to 4:45pm)
Training is short, accessible, and gives full access to all programme resources to support PSHE lessons, assemblies and a whole‑school approach.
Booking links are available via the Schools Portal or on the attached INTENT poster (pdf, 420kb).
Why this matters
The survey shows that education is working — young people are engaging with the information they receive and making healthier choices.
By building on this success, and embedding consistent, evidence‑based prevention through programmes like INTENT, schools can play a vital role in:
- Preventing uptake of smoking and vaping
- Reducing health inequalities
- Supporting long‑term health and wellbeing
Preparing for RSHE changes in September 2026
With updated statutory RSHE guidance coming into effect from September 2026, including strengthened content on smoking, vaping and nicotine, there is a clear opportunity for schools to build on this positive momentum.
A structured, whole‑school approach will be key to ensuring consistency, confidence and impact.
If you would like support with planning for RSHE updates or implementing INTENT in your school, please contact:
smokefreeoxon@oxfordshire.gov.uk