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Cokethorpe School in Witney: ‘How we help to stop stress’

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The school’s approach, which includes peer mentoring, mindfulness, daily tutor support and counselling, aims to help pupils understand stress, build resilience and develop coping strategies for exams and beyond.

Andrew Uglow, deputy head academic at Cokethorpe School, said: “One of my big bugbears is the false dichotomy that exists in people’s minds between caring for children’s wellbeing and having high standards and expectations of them.

“It is absolutely possible to hold both at the same time.

“In fact, it is through caring deeply about the individual, and providing the right support, space and mechanisms to help them manage challenges, that we are able to get the very best out of them.”

The school places a strong focus on peer support, with lower sixth students offering one-to-one mentoring for younger pupils.

These informal conversations provide a safe space for pupils to talk openly, seek guidance and benefit from the experience of older peers.

As exam periods approach, the school encourages students to continue participating in sports and outdoor activities to help maintain balance and perspective.

Mr Uglow said: “Exercise, fresh air and consistent routine all help pupils maintain perspective, sharpen focus and sustain positive energy levels during periods of pressure.”

Resilience-building begins in Year 7 with a structured programme designed to help students understand anxiety, recognise stress responses and develop coping strategies.

Mr Uglow said: “We can’t protect children from stress, and nor should we.

“What we can do is build resilience so that when stressful moments arise, they have the tools and confidence to cope.”

Pupils are also guided in practical revision techniques, including time management and striking a balance between study and rest.

Daily tutor contact ensures that pupils are well known individually by staff, enabling early identification of concerns through subtle changes in behaviour.

When more specialised support is needed, students can access trained child and adolescent counsellor Tanya Smith through self-referral, staff, or parent requests.

Mrs Smith emphasises the importance of emotional support during adolescence, describing it as a complex period of development that requires both understanding and structure.

The school’s philosophy supports the wider message of Stress Awareness Month: while stress cannot be eliminated from young people’s lives, schools can equip them with the tools, confidence and support networks they need to manage it effectively.

Cokethorpe School is an independent, co-educational day school for pupils aged four to 18, set on 150 acres of parkland.





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Blind and elderly Labrador rescued from Oxfordshire road

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Poppy was discovered by Thames Valley Police whilst on patrol in Steventon, between Abingdon and Didcot, last night (Monday, April 27).

The dog had been found running in the road, sparking the officers on duty to spring into action and catch her.

Once the force managed to get ahold of Poppy, officers used her tag to phone her owners and reunite the pet with her “furry siblings”.

READ MORE: Exclusive look at £24m luxury Cotswolds holiday resort opening in 2027

Poppy. (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Photos of the Labrador were shared on the Thames Valley Police’s Rural Crime Team Facebook page last night, along with a statement informing residents.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Whilst on routine patrol tonight, PCs Dollery and Kamalee came across this beautiful black Labrador running in the road in Steventon.

“The officers were able to catch the dog and immediately call the owner thanks to up-to-date tag details on the collar.

“Poppy, who is elderly and blind, has been collected by her owner and is now back home safe with her other furry siblings.”





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Oxford University’s Emma Watson ‘won the lottery’ but misses Hollywood

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The 36-year-old actress played Hogwarts witch Hermione Granger in all eight films of the franchise alongside co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint.

Ms Watson has turned her attention to studies after her iconic role in J.K. Rowling’s series, as well as parts in Hollywood films The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Little Women.

She had been studying a master’s degree in creative writing at Oxford University since September 2023.

READ MORE: King Charles offers £30,000 sum for help at home in Cotswolds

It was revealed in February 2025 that Ms Watson had switched to a DPhil, which is Oxford’s version of a PhD.

Quotes from one of Ms Watson’s most recent interviews on her break from Hollywood have resurafced this week.

The original chat with Hollywood Authentic, which was published last year, saw the actress speak about her career.

READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson sends message to pilot after Spitfire circles his house

“In some ways, I really won the lottery [with acting], and what happened to me is so unusual,” said Ms Watson.

“But a bigger component than the actual job itself is the promotion and selling of that piece of work… I’ll be honest and straightforward, and say: I do not miss selling things. I found that to be quite soul-destroying.

“But I do very much miss using my skill set, and I very much miss the art, I just found I got to do so little of the bit that I actually enjoyed.”





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Jeremy Clarkson mocked as ‘fake farmer by Saturday Night Live

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SNL UK turned its fire on both the Oxfordshire farmer and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in its latest episode.

The game show sketch attacked the PM’s decision to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to the United States.

This followed revelations that Lord Mandelson failed the vetting process before taking up the Washington post, with Sir Keir insisting he and his ministers only discovered this recently.

READ MORE: Over 25,000 people to descend on Jeremy Clarkson’s farm this summer

The Labour peer was later removed from the role over his links to Jeffrey Epstein and is now the subject of a police investigation into claims he leaked sensitive government papers to the convicted sex offender while serving as business secretary.

Against that backdrop, Saturday’s show (25 April) began with a spoof of ITV quiz Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, rebranded Who Wants To Remain A Millionaire, with Sir Keir in the contestant’s chair.

Comedian Mr Al Nash took aim at Mr Clarkson’s public image as he appeared as the former Top Gear presenter.

“I’m your host, fake farmer and real a***hole Jeremy Clarkson,” he said.

“Let’s bring out our contestant for the night. You hate him, I hate him – it’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer.”

READ MORE: First look at Clarkson’s Farm series five as new photos released

Actor Mr George Fouracres reprised his shambling version of Sir Keir and was asked: “Is it ever a good idea to give Peter Mandelson a job?”

Reading the options, Nash’s Clarkson said: “A. No. B. Of Course Not. C. Not In A Million Years. D. Yes.”

“It’s a tricky one, Jeremy,” Starmer replied.

“I think I’m going to have to use a lifeline on this one, I’ll ask the audience.”

Although the audience vote heavily backed C, the sketch prime minister went on to use 50‑50 and then chose to phone a friend, Lord Mandelson, introduced by the host as a “paedophile-adjacent Bond villain”.

READ MORE: King Charles offers £30,000 sum for help at home in Cotswolds

SNL UK performer Mr Larry Dean appeared as Lord Mandelson, dressed in a white robe embroidered “J.R”, echoing photographs of him in the Epstein documents.

When Starmer asked if it was ever sensible to give him a job, Mandelson replied: “Me? A job? I’d be careful if I were you,” before laughing menacingly as the studio lights turned red.

After being offered another 50‑50 and left with C, Starmer said: “I know it’s not conventional, but I’d actually like to bring back one of the previous options because I’m going to go with D – final answer.”

Pressed on whether he was sure, he responded: “Oh, never.”

When told he had chosen the wrong response, he concluded: “Jeremy, it’s clear to me now that that was the wrong decision.

“Would I make the same decision again, knowing what I know now? Quite possibly.”





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