Research by NIHR, the School for Public Health research in Bristol has reported that:
“RSE should always be sex-positive and taught in a way which is open, frank and informative. RSE programmes should always be developed with young people and should not focus on abstinence. Lessons should discuss emotions, relationships, gender and sexual identity. Young people should be taught about issues such as consent, sexting, cyberbullying, online safety, sexual exploitation and sexual coercion. Lessons should also provide impartial information on contraception, safer sex, pregnancy and abortion.”
Core Principles of Effective RSE
1. It is statutory, clearly planned and sequenced
From September 2026:
- Relationships Education is compulsory in primary schools,
- Relationships and Sex Education is compulsory in secondary schools, and
- Health Education is compulsory in all state-funded schools.
Effective delivery requires a clear, well‑sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge over time and matches pupils’ developmental stages.
2. It builds essential skills and promotes wellbeing
Effective RSE:
- equips pupils to make safe, informed decisions
- strengthens resilience and emotional literacy
- teaches pupils how to ask for help and where to access support
- helps pupils develop strategies for managing risks, challenges and complex situations
3. It creates a safe and inclusive learning environment
RSE must be delivered in a protective, respectful environment where pupils feel listened to and able to ask questions safely.
Updated national guidance highlights the need to:
- challenge misogyny, harmful stereotypes and toxic online influences
- ensure LGBTQ+ pupils feel safe, represented and included
- tackle bullying and discrimination
4. It is factual, age‑appropriate and aligned with the law
The 2025–2026 reforms clarify that:
- teaching must be scientifically accurate
- content must be age‑appropriate, with new national age limits on sensitive topics
- gender identity as a theory should not be taught, while facts about biological sex and safeguarding remain essential
- sexual ethics teaching must go beyond consent to include kindness, respect and responsibilities
5. It includes updated safeguarding content
The revised guidance introduces new required content to address modern risks, including:
- suicide prevention
- sexual harassment, sexual violence and violence against women and girls (VAWG)
- deepfakes, scams and online grooming
- dangers of vaping
- menstrual and gynaecological health, including endometriosis and PCOS
- safe behaviours in public spaces (roads, rail, water)
6. It involves parents and values transparency
Parents have:
- the legal right to see all RSE materials
- the right to request withdrawal from sex education (but not Relationships or Health Education)
Effective RSE is built on open communication, involvement in policy development, and clarity about what is being taught and when.
7. It is taught by trained, confident educators
High‑quality RSE depends on:
- skilled teachers with appropriate training
- careful handling of sensitive questions
- clear safeguarding protocols
- access to high‑quality, evidence‑based teaching resources
What does effective RSE achieve?
When delivered well, RSE helps pupils:
- build healthy, respectful relationships
- recognise unsafe or unhealthy behaviours
- understand their rights and responsibilities
- protect themselves and others
- develop empathy, equality and respect for difference
- be prepared for the challenges of adolescence and adulthood
This aligns with the purpose of statutory RSHE: to enable young people to thrive, stay safe, and manage their lives successfully.
