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Pupils Hospitalized After Toxic Chemical Incident at Oxfordshire School
18 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Three schoolchildren taken to hospital after poisoning incident
- Pupil allegedly added copper sulphate to classmates' water bottles
- Ingestion of copper sulphate can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
On November 11th, 2025, three students at Lord Williams's School in Thame, Oxfordshire, were taken to the hospital after they were poisoned when a fellow pupil allegedly added a colored chemical to their water bottles. According to the headteacher, Neil Dimbleby, the incident occurred during a science lesson, where the pupil was drawn to the bright blue color of the copper sulphate compound.
Ingestion of copper sulphate can irritate the digestive system and cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and upper abdominal pain. All three affected students were kept in the hospital overnight but have since returned home safely.
The police have been informed and are supporting the school through this incident. Lord Williams's School, a co-educational secondary with around 2,200 pupils, is working to ensure the safety and well-being of its students following this concerning event.
