The 2025 RSHE Guidance Update

The Department for Education (DfE) has released updated statutory guidance for Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). Published in July 2025, this new framework replaces the 2019 guidance and becomes compulsory from 1 September 2026.

For now, schools must continue to follow the 2019 RSHE statutory guidance however, from the start of the 2026–27 academic year the updated 2025 version will apply so it is essential that schools prepare now for the transition. So, to help preparations, this article outlines the key differences to assist in meeting the new standards.

Clarifying Sex, Gender and the Law

The new guidance places more weight on legal accuracy when teaching about sex and gender. Pupils must be taught:

• What the law says about biological sex and gender reassignment;
• That gender reassignment is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act;
• That schools should not present beliefs about gender identity, such as ‘everyone has a gender identity’, as fact;
• The use of diagrams or teaching aids that oversimplify complex ideas (e.g. the resource ‘Genderbread Person’) is discouraged. Instead, pupils should be supported to explore a range of perspectives in a balanced, age-appropriate way. The guidance focus is on teaching what the law says, whilst encouraging respectful discussion.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Mental health education is a core part of RSHE, and the 2025 update strengthens this area. In primary, the focus is on pupils developing emotional regulation and learning how to cope with everyday worries. They should also know when and how to ask for help.

In secondary schools, there is a new emphasis on suicide prevention. The guidance directs that this content must be handled carefully and in consultation with trained mental health professionals. Schools are advised to avoid graphic material and ensure staff feel confident and supported prior to any delivery of lessons on this topic.

Teaching About Online Risks

As we have highlighted in our previous articles and Safeguarding Conversation podcasts, the internet continues to present new challenges. The revised guidance also reflects this focus. Secondary pupils must now learn about:

• The risks of sextortion and non-consensual image sharing;
• The growing use of deepfakes and AI-generated content;
• The harms linked to pornography and misogynistic online cultures;
• The influence of ‘incel’ groups and related online forums.

There is also a renewed focus on teaching young people how to spot harmful content, protect their personal information, and challenge unhealthy online behaviour. This builds on the broader digital safety content introduced in 2019, but addresses newer threats with clearer expectations.

Use of Professional Judgement

While earlier government proposals considered banning certain topics before age nine, this is included following consultation. The 2025 guidance confirms that schools should decide when to introduce specific content, using their professional judgement.

Topics like conception and birth (non-statutory sex education) are recommended in Years 5 or 6, but schools may choose to adapt this depending on pupil maturity. Parents still have the right to withdraw their child from sex education, but not from relationships or health education.

Inclusive and Respectful Teaching

The guidance continues to require that all teaching reflects the Equality Act. This means pupils should learn about:

• Different family types, including same-sex parents;
• The protected characteristics of sexual orientation and gender reassignment;
• How to recognise and challenge discrimination;
• Inclusive teaching doesn’t mean promoting one lifestyle over another, it should focus on ensuring that all pupils feel seen and respected. This applies across both primary and secondary education.

Legal Literacy and Safeguarding

Pupils also need to understand what behaviours are unlawful. Under the 2025 framework, schools should cover:

• The criminal nature of strangulation, even where there’s no visible injury;
• Image-based abuse, including revenge porn and upskirting;
• Exploitation, grooming, and sexual coercion.

These issues may be covered through RSHE lessons or wider safeguarding work. In delivery, staff must be confident in explaining what is and isn’t acceptable and how young people can get help.

Working with Parents

The updated guidance puts more emphasis on transparency. Schools must:

• Share their RSHE policy and keep it updated;
• Give parents access to any teaching materials, including those from external providers;
• Avoid using third-party content providers who block access through non-disclosure agreements;
• Although many schools already involve parents in RSHE planning, this is now a clear expectation rather than a recommendation.

Staff Training and Curriculum Support

The 2025 guidance recognises that some topics, especially suicide prevention and gender topics, require specialist input. Schools should plan ahead by:

• Reviewing staff training needs, especially for mental health and safeguarding content relating to topics;
• Ensuring staff are fully supported when discussing sensitive topics;
• Using high-quality resources that are accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive;
• Government-funded training is expected in 2026 to support implementation of certain aspects of training.

So, what should schools do now?

The table below indicates the statutory requirements:

Until the 2026 guidance takes effect, schools must continue following the 2019 document however we strongly recommend that planning for the changes should start now.

Undertaking this preparation will ensure a smooth transition and a delivery framework that further guidance, such as guidance on gender questioning pupils, can be aligned to.

Sam Preston

SSS Learning Safeguarding Director

28 July 2025