Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Guidance on Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)

16 July 2025 · Department for Education

Proposed by Bridget Phillipson Lab Houghton and Sunderland South

Education

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The government has published updated statutory guidance for schools on teaching Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), and Health Education.
  • The new RSHE guidance addresses contemporary issues, including the digital age challenges, and emphasizes age-appropriate lessons.
  • The guidance includes content on preventing violence against women and girls, teaching about positive masculinity and femininity, and sexual ethics beyond consent.

Issue summary

The publication of updated statutory guidance for schools on teaching Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), and Health Education.

Action requested

The new RSHE guidance addresses contemporary issues facing young people, especially in the digital age. It emphasizes age-appropriate lessons, parental consultation rights, and teacher preparedness to prevent or respond promptly to risks. The guidance also includes significant content on preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG), teaching about positive masculinity and femininity, sexual ethics beyond consent, suicide prevention, and LGBT rights.

Key facts

  • Updated RSHE guidance published for schools in England.
  • New guidance will be formally implemented from September 2026 but can be used immediately to shape lessons.
  • Guidance reflects responses to last year’s consultation and insights from experts and young people.
  • Focus on prevention of VAWG is included, with emphasis on building healthy relationships skills early in primary education.
  • Content teaches positive masculinity and femininity without stigmatisation.
  • Suicide prevention content includes school plans for secondary pupils.
  • Addresses Supreme Court ruling on Equality Act regarding sex and gender reassignment rights.
  • Guidance avoids language reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes as per Cass Review (2024).
  • Implementation is England-only, with devolved policies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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