The DfE has updated the statutory relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education guidance. You must follow it from September 2026, but you can begin implementing it from September 2025 if you wish.
New curriculum content added
For all schools:
- Staff should actively challenge everyday sexism, misogyny, homophobia and stereotypes
- Pupils should learn about:
- The links between sexism and misogyny and violence against women and girls
- How to identify and learn from positive male role models
- Ethical behaviour in relationships, beyond respecting boundaries and consent
Primary schools should cover:
- Respectful relationships, boundaries, and the risks of sharing information and images online
- Sex education in years 5 and/or year 6 (this is recommended but is not compulsory)
- The sharing of naked images or online sexual content if it’s affecting their pupils, or if they know that pupils have seen pornography
How pornography can negatively influence sexual attitudes and behaviours How sub-cultures such as ‘incels’ might influence