MOSA - Medical Officers of Schools Association

📚 GCSE season can be a challenging time for many young people, particularly those living in a boarding environment where school, friendships and home life are all closely connected.

As boarding staff, medical teams, matrons, tutors and pastoral colleagues, we have an important role to play in supporting pupils through this period.

Simple actions such as:
💙 Checking in regularly
😴 Encouraging rest and routine
🗣️ Listening without judgement
🌟 Helping pupils keep things in perspective

can make a significant difference.

NHS guidance highlights that support from trusted adults can help young people share worries and manage exam-related stress.

🔗 Useful NHS guidance:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/help-your-child-beat-exam-stress

How does your school support boarders during exam season?

🚨 Benedict’s Law is coming. 🚨

In February 2026, the Government formally passed Benedict’s Law, introducing mandatory statutory allergy guidance for schools in England through the Department for Education.

Coming into force in September 2026, the new guidance will require schools to:
• Stock spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs)
• Deliver mandatory allergy awareness training for staff
• Appoint an Allergy Lead and nominated Governor
• Record and review allergic incidents
• Implement robust allergy and anaphylaxis policies

This marks a significant step forward in improving allergy awareness, prevention and emergency response across schools.

At MOSA, we are ready to support schools and members as they navigate these important changes, helping to identify areas of good practice and any improvements needed to meet the new standards.

How prepared is your school?

🌬️ New: Inspections of Independent Schools Guidance Now Available on MOSA 🌬️

MOSA has released updated recommendations on Inspections of Independent Schools.

📘 This guidance covers:

✔ Overview of inspection frameworks (ISI & Ofsted)

✔ Key requirements from National Minimum Standards (NMS)

✔ Practical guidance for school doctors and nurses

✔ Focus on pupil welfare, safeguarding, and wellbeing 🛡️

✔ Tips for inspection readiness and documentation 📝

Now available as part of our extensive guideline collection. These updates aim to support clinicians in delivering the highest standard of care.

🔐 Members – Simply log in to access the new guidance.

👥 Not yet a member? Get in touch to learn more about joining and gain full access to all MOSA resources: https://www.mosa.org.uk/become-a-member/

🔎 View the guideline today and stay informed with the latest recommendations on inspections of independent schools.

✨ A brilliant day at Eton College ✨

We were delighted to host our recent MOSA Educational Day at Eton College and what a success it was. From insightful presentations to meaningful conversations with colleagues, the day truly showcased the strength and support within our community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a success.

Meet Dr Jim Ropner, President of MOSA

Jim is a GP with degrees in medicine and psychology from UCL. He has worked at Berkeley Place Surgery in Cheltenham since 2008 and also serves as Medical Officer to Cheltenham College, with a key role in unscheduled care across Gloucestershire. He holds a diploma in palliative medicine and works weekly in a specialist dementia care home. Known for his calm, holistic approach, Jim balances clinical leadership with family life, strongman training, gardening and field sports.

Meet the MOSA Team - https://www.mosa.org.uk/meet-mosa/

There's still chance to join the MOSA Spring Educational Day on Saturday 7 March 2026 at Eton College. Places are limited.

Join colleagues for a day of high‑quality clinical updates, professional discussion and meaningful networking in an exceptional academic setting.
> CPD-approved event.

👉 Register now to secure your place - https://www.mosa.org.uk/event/mosa-spring-meeting-2026-in-partnership-with-eton-college/

Delegate Programme – 7 March 2026 (Eton College)
09:30 – 10:00 Registration & Refreshments
10:00 – 10:15 Welcome & Introduction
10:15 – 11:15 Who Needs a Plastic Surgeon? – Mary O’Brien
11:15 – 11:30 Sudden Cardiac Death in a Pupil – Dr Edward Harrison
11:30 – 12:30 Adolescent Cardiology – Prof. Sanja Sharma
12:30 – 13:30 Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) – Dr Julian Woodhouse
13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
14:30 – 15:30 Adolescent Ophthalmology – Mr Sundeep Kheterpal
15:30 – 16:30 Foot & Ankle Issues – Mr Callum Clark
16:30 – 16:45 Closing Remarks & Refreshments
16:45 – 17:15 School Tour (Optional)

Event Details
Date: Saturday 7th March 2026
Time: 09:30 – 17:15
Venue: Eton College
Includes: Lunch, refreshments, and optional school tour

👉 Register now to secure your place - https://www.mosa.org.uk/event/mosa-spring-meeting-2026-in-partnership-with-eton-college/

MOSA’s Spring Meeting is getting close - only 2 weeks to go!!

The excitement is building - Have you got your ticket to what will be a quality, insightful day? CPD-approved event.

Delegate Programme outline

09:30 – Registration with Refreshments
10:00 – Welcome and Introduction
10:15 – Who needs a Plastic Surgeon, Mary O’Brien
11:15 – Sudden Cardiac Death in a pupil, Dr Edward Harrison, School Medical Officer, Eton
11:30 – Adolescent Cardiology, Professor Sanja Sharma, Cardiology
12:30 – Compare and contrast the work of an Army MO
to that of a School MO, Dr Julian Woodhouse, Military GP
13:30 – Lunch - Bekynton, Central dining hall
14:30 – Adolescent Opthalmology, Mr Sundeep Kheterpal, Eye Surgeon
15:30 – Foot & Ankle issues in adolescents, Mr Callum Clark, Orthopaedic Surgeon
16:30 - Closing Remarks & Refreshments, Dr Jim Ropner; MOSA President
16:45 - School Tour (optional)

Book your ticket now - www.mosa.org.uk/event

Eton College

We’ve recently received this glowing feedback:

“As a nurse new to independent school nursing, I’ve been so grateful for the support from MOSA. Their team are incredibly kind, responsive, and always provides evidence-based guidance. The quick, thoughtful advice they offer has given me confidence in my practice and truly empowers me to grow in this role.” Jenny Campbell, Nurse

Find out more about MOSA - https://www.mosa.org.uk/

⭐Only three weeks to go!⭐
Join us at the MOSA Spring Meeting 2026, hosted in partnership with Eton College on 7th March.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable CPD hours while exploring a full day of expert-led sessions, including:

♦️Adolescent eye conditions – Ophthalmology
♦️Hand injuries & Plastic Surgery
♦️Foot & Ankle injuries
♦️Sudden Cardiac Death in a school
♦️Cardiac Screening – CRY
♦️Supporting PTSD from a military perspective using TRiM
♦️Plus, a guided tour of Eton College

Connect with school medical professionals from across the UK for a day of learning, networking and inspiration.

🎟️ Members £155 Non‑Members £195
📍 Eton College, Windsor, Berkshire
🗓️ 7th March 2026

Book now via our Events page: www.mosa.org.uk
For more information, contact us at [email protected]


Eton College

Updated MOSA Guideline - on managing and caring for pupils who are overweight or obese.

Inside the guidance:
• Healthy eating best practice
• What today’s injectable weight‑management drugs are and how they work
• What schools need to consider as access and use grows in the private sector

Part of our extensive guideline collection, designed to support clinicians in delivering safe, high‑quality care.

• Members: Log in to read the full update.
• Thinking of joining? Explore membership benefits: https://www.mosa.org.uk/become-a-member/