Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum changes
It is prudent to write to all parents and educators about imminent and important changes to the RSHE curriculum.
The Government has published new, statutory guidance which will come into force from September 2025. This was published in mid-July and replaces the statutory guidance published in 2020. The guidance on Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) is for all schools in England and must be implemented from September.
A number of the topics covered in the new legislation are hard-hitting, confrontational subjects which all discerning Christian parents will want to familiarise themselves with, as well as teachers and educators who will be directly affected by this. Other areas covered have become bigger issues since the previous legislation and brings things up to date.
There are also key pointers giving parents greater rights to see materials and resources on some of the most controversial topics, as well as greater control in introducing stricter requirements around safeguarding, digital literacy, consent and parental engagement. The aim of the changes is said to be for better preparing children and young people for healthy relationships and modern life.
As was the case with the 2020 legislation, Relationships Education is mandatory in primary schools, while Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is compulsory at secondary level. Health education remains a requirement for all state-funded schools, but independent schools, though not bound by the same health education standards, must continue to provide personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education in line with existing regulations.
As is standard, all schools must have an RSHE policy in place, created in consultation with parents, which must be published on their school website. Parents retain the right to withdraw their child from sex education, but not from lessons covering relationships or health, as with the previous legislation.
There are some hard-hitting topics included in the changes to the curriculum, which must be delivered in a sequential, age-appropriate manner, including comprehensive content on topics such as consent, online safety, pornography, gender stereotypes, coercive behaviour and sexually transmitted infections. These are also new areas mentioned in the ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance which is implemented in all schools in September, and which will be incorporated into school safeguarding practice from then. New sections include the impact of AI, sextortion and deepfake content, as well as the harms linked to gambling, vaping and social media addiction.
Primary pupils will continue to be taught about healthy families, friendships, respect and personal safety. The Government continues to recommend – but not require – sex education in Year 5 and Year 6, linked to content in the Science curriculum.
A big change is in the Secondary curriculum, where pupils will explore more complex issues, including contraception, sexual ethics, gender identity, exploitation and abortion. All content must be medically and legally accurate, and show an inclusive approach to LGBTQ+ pupils.
The guidance places significant emphasis on mental wellbeing and emotional resilience. Pupils will learn about common mental health conditions, stigma reduction, and suicide prevention – though schools are advised to handle these topics with care, using professional support and staff training. Eating disorders and self-harm may be taught where appropriate but must be approached sensitively.
Online safety is a major area in the new guidance. Pupils will be taught how to recognise manipulation, avoid sharing images, understand consent in digital contexts, and critically evaluate online content. The curriculum also warns against exposure to harmful online influencers and content that promotes violence, misogyny or self-harm.
Schools must ensure lessons comply with the Equality Act 2010 and teach the legal position on marriage, consent, domestic abuse and gender re-assignment. However, they are advised not to present contested ideas – such as gender identity – as fact.
To support safeguarding, staff will be alert to signs of abuse and trained in responding to disclosures. The Department warns that RSHE may lead to an increase in safeguarding reports and schools should be prepared. External visitors must also follow school protocols and may not use teaching materials that cannot be shared with parents.
The new guidance also gives clear expectations around parental transparency. All teaching resources must be available for inspection by parents on request. Schools are forbidden from signing contracts with external providers that restrict such access, and must comply with copyright law without using it as an excuse to withhold materials. This is good news and represents a change from previous occasions, which caused needless offence and harm to all concerned.
The DfE said the reforms are designed to help children “make informed and ethical decisions” while supporting their moral, social, mental and physical development. The new curriculum, it added, would help pupils “cultivate positive characteristics including resilience, self-worth, honesty, integrity and kindness” as part of a whole-school approach to wellbeing.
Schools must now prepare to review their policies, consult with families, train staff and audit resources to ensure full compliance ahead of the September 2025 deadline.
At our National Conference in September, we will have a keynote address by John Denning from The Christian Institute on the latest about Government changes in the significant Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill currently progressing through Parliament. This may provide opportunity to consider some of these matters and highlight both positive elements and areas of concern for Christians.
If any of our supporters require extra support over these changes, do get in touch.
