Relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) policy: model

Download and adapt our model RSHE policy. It's in line with the DfE's statutory guidance and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026.

Updated
on 4 August 2026
See updates
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 policy 
  2. Understand what's changed for September 2026
  3. You must publish your policy online

Download and adapt our model policy 

Our model RSHE policy is:

Model policy: RSHE (schools) DOCX, 308.0 KB
Download

Who should approve the policy?

Your governing board can determine who approves the policy, as set out in the Maintained schools: governance guide. Your board can choose to delegate approval to a committee, individual governor or the headteacher.

You need to consult parents/carers on making changes to your policy

You must must proactively engage and consult parents/carers when you review and make changes to your policy. 

RSHE: How to run a parent/carer consultation (includes guidance, template letters and a template presentation) How to proactively engage with parents/carers Dealing