Relationships and sex education (RSE) policy: model and examples

Download our model RSE policy to help you save time and stay compliant.

Last reviewed on 25 May 2023
Ref: 41682
Statutory/mandatory for:
Maintained schools
Academies
Free schools
Independent schools
Pupil referral units
Non-maintained special schools
Contents
  1. Download and adapt our model RSE policy
  2. You must publish your policy online
  3. Use our checklist to review your existing policy
  4. Examples of RSE policies

Download and adapt our model RSE policy

It:

Model policy: relationships and sex education (schools) DOC, 329.0 KB
Download

Who should approve the policy?

Your governing board can determine who approves the policy. It can choose to delegate approval to a committee, individual governor or the headteacher.

If you're an independent school, there's no guidance on who needs to approve this policy. Independent schools aren't on the DfE's list linked above, but we know they need a policy under the statutory RSE guidance. It may be best to assume that your governing board needs to approve the policy. 

This requirement is outlined in the Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education (England) Regulations 2019 (see sections 8