Nearly 80 sixth form students gathered recently for an intensive training session focused on understanding and managing anxiety, led by Head of Wellbeing, Natalie Hunt.

The session was specifically designed for students serving as Peer Support Leaders (PSLs), a vital mentoring role within OX14 Learning Partnership schools. These students form an important part of the pastoral support systems across their respective schools.

Participants spent time reflecting on their experiences in helping younger students and engaging in constructive discussions on how to support a young person, or themselves, who is struggling with anxiety. Crucially, the students enjoyed the chance to meet each other and share ideas across the different schools.

A core focus of the training was equipping the student leaders with practical strategies, covering identifying signs of anxiety, offering empathetic support, and promoting healthy coping mechanisms.

This session forms part of a wider training plan for PSLs within the partnership, underscoring the schools’ commitment to student mental health and leveraging the positive influence of its senior students.