What Does the Guidance Mean for Independent Schools?

Are you a staff member at an independent school?

Are you a little unsure what the new guidance means for you?

Well we have found out a little information that we would like to share with you!

Independent schools still need to provide Relationships Education (RE) for primary aged students and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) for secondary aged students.

Relationships Education is mandatory, whereas parents/carers can withdraw their children from Sex Education up to and until three terms before the child turns 16.

So, what is different?

Well, the main difference is that independent schools are not required to provide Health Education.

But why, you might ask?

Because PSHE is already compulsory in independent schools! However, independent schools may find the principles in the guidance helpful in planning an age-appropriate curriculum.

So, really, there isn’t a WHOLE LOT that is different for independent schools. But it is good to get an idea of where the differences do exist between different types of schools.

The great news is that Loudmouth are releasing a series of blogs over the coming months that will be directly relevant to independent schools. Yay!

We will be addressing a wide range of important topics detailed in the guidance, including LGBT, Puberty, Digital Issues and Sexual Harassment. Keep your eye on our website to access further support.

You can also sign up to the Loudmouth E-Newsletter to keep updated about relevant news, lesson plans, and resources.

Finally, make sure you check out our information on the Roadmap to Statutory RSE, created by the Sex Education Forum and PSHE Association.