13 March 2024
Gender Identity in Schools

All schools are expected to provide an inclusive environment that supports all of their children’s needs and allows them to reach their full potential, regardless of background or gender.

It is up to schools, with the support of teachers and parents, to decide the most appropriate and necessary policies to put in place for their pupils. This may include whether they provide unisex or gender-neutral toilets, and their approach to school uniform.

The Department for Education is clear, however, that schools must tackle all forms of discrimination, and this includes discrimination because of gender reassignment or sexual orientation. Schools receive guidance and supportive measures from the Department for Education to help them do this.

I understand that the Department for Education has issued statutory safeguarding guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' (KCSIE) which all schools and colleges must have regard to when carrying out duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Ministers in the Department have been in extensive communication with the sector and continue to evaluate what more it can do on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender matters.

High-quality relationship and sex education is incredibly important, and these subjects are designed to ensure pupils are taught the knowledge and life skills they will need to stay safe, build confidence and resilience, as well as develop healthy and supportive relationships.

However, following reports of inappropriate sex education lessons in schools, the Prime Minister has launched a review of sex education guidance to make sure schools are not teaching content that is inappropriate, and to ensure that schools make content available to parents if requested.

An independent expert advisory panel will advise on the review of the relationships, sex and health education curriculum. The review will be complete in due course, with revised statutory guidance coming into force soon after.