Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
The Department for Education (DfE) has introduced statutory requirements for Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) in schools in England. Under the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and the Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education Regulations 2019, all primary schools are required to teach Relationships Education and Health Education, while all secondary schools are required to teach Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education. These requirements have been in place since September 2020.
In July 2025, the Department for Education published updated statutory guidance for Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education. All schools in England are required to implement this revised guidance from September 2026. Schools are expected to review and update their curriculum, policies and resources to ensure they meet the new requirements.
At primary school level, Relationships Education and Health Education remain statutory for all pupils. The science curriculum continues to include the statutory content relating to human development and reproduction. Primary schools may also choose to teach additional age-appropriate Sex Education as part of their wider RSHE curriculum. Parents continue to have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from any non-statutory sex education taught outside of the National Curriculum for Science.
The updated guidance places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, healthy relationships, online safety, consent, respect for self and others, mental wellbeing, and preparing children to live safely and successfully in the modern world. Schools are expected to ensure that RSHE is age-appropriate, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
At St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School, Relationships, Sex and Health Education is delivered within the context of our Catholic faith and values. Our curriculum supports children to understand the dignity of every human person, develop positive and respectful relationships, and make informed choices, whilst promoting their physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.
To support the delivery of RSHE, we use the Life to the Full Plus programme from Ten Resources, which has been approved by the Catholic Education Service and is fully compliant with both Church teaching and statutory Department for Education guidance. The programme is rooted in a Christian understanding of the human person and is designed to help children grow in knowledge, understanding and appreciation of themselves and others as children of God.
Parents and carers play a vital role in their children's education and formation. We encourage parents to engage with the content being taught and to continue discussions at home where appropriate. Further information about our RSHE curriculum, including curriculum overviews, policy documents and details of how to access the Ten Parent Portal, can be found in the Parents section of the school website.
RSE Parent Information Meeting
RE LETTER TO PARENTS RE CONSULTATION
