Exeter College:
Building Skills On and Off the Pitch.
The Need
The mental health of young people in education is under increasing strain. 63% of 15–18-year-olds report struggling to cope during and before their GCSEs and A-Levels, with 15% stopping school altogether and 13% experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The academic environment, once seen as a place of growth, is now a source of distress for many, with 52% of children identifying school as having a negative impact on their mental wellbeing due to stress, workload, and fear. Research shows a strong correlation between high academic demands and rising anxiety levels. Students often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to perform, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness, both hallmarks of depression.
Driven by a commitment to student wellbeing, Exeter College partnered with Brave Mind to equip their students with the tools and support needed to manage their mental health effectively.
What Brave Mind did
In Autumn 2024, Brave Mind piloted four workshops at Exeter College, designed to help students manage the pressures of academic and sporting life.
The sessions covered:
1. Transitions & Self-Care
2. Anxiety Toolkit
3. Goal Setting & Expectations
4. Pressure & Mindset
Using sport as the starting point, students explored how to manage change, cope with anxiety, and set realistic goals. The workshops created space for honest conversations, reflection, and the development of practical strategies for daily life.
“Supporting our students’ mental health is as vital as supporting their academic and athletic achievements. Our growing partnership with Brave Mind provides rugby-affiliated students with essential tools to manage the unique pressures they face both on and off the field.”
The Impact
The workshops were successful, and insightful, we learned:
· Shorter, one-hour sessions kept focus and engagement high.
· Smaller groups encouraged deeper discussion and peer support.
· Careful scheduling (avoiding exam deadlines) improved participation.
· Having staff introduce the workshops built trust and buy-in.
· Linking to the college wellbeing team meant better signposting for ongoing support.
Exeter College will continue to work with Brave Mind, tailoring future sessions for their Female ACE rugby team, integrating parent communication, and embedding workshops into academy schedules.
“Supporting our students’ mental health is as vital as supporting their academic and athletic achievements. Our growing partnership with Brave Mind provides rugby-affiliated students with essential tools to manage the unique pressures they face both on and off the field.” Director of Safeguarding, Exeter College
References
63% of 15-18-year-olds struggled to cope during and before GCSEs and A-Levels
15% of young people struggling to cope with exams stopped going to school and 13% had suicidal thoughts.
52% of children identified school as having a negative impact on their mental health due to stress, workload, and fear.