Wandsworth schools are set to adopt new guidance on Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) from September 2026, following an update from the Department for Education (DfE). The DfE's rationale for this implementation date is to update the topics taught to reflect the current world, particularly the dangers and experiences arising from the growth of electronic technologies and the internet, which were not prevalent when the guidance was last significantly updated in 2019.
The new statutory guidance, developed collaboratively by Wandsworth, Richmond, and Kingston Local Authorities, places a greater emphasis on pupil engagement, transparency with parents, and a positive approach to the subject matter. The updated guidance aims to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to make informed and ethical decisions about their well-being, health, and relationships, promoting their moral, social, mental, and physical development.
Key developments in the updated guidance include a stronger encouragement for primary schools to include same-sex parents in discussions about families, and for secondary schools to integrate same-sex relationships throughout the curriculum. The guidance also addresses gender identity, advising schools to be careful not to endorse any particular view as fact and to base discussions on the law. Schools should ensure respect for protected characteristics remains enshrined in the law, acknowledging that individuals have legal rights by virtue of their biological sex that differ from those of the opposite sex with the protected characteristic of gender reassignment.
New or expanded content areas will cover topics such as misogyny, sexual harassment, online harms, mental health, and positive masculinity. The curriculum will include 'Positive masculinity, ethical behaviour, challenging stereotypes / sexism', with pupils expected to have opportunities to develop positive conceptions of masculinity and learn from positive masculine role models.
The guidance also strengthens expectations for parental engagement and transparency. Schools are now mandated to consult parents when developing or renewing their RSHE policy and curriculum. To ensure transparency, curriculum materials must be made available to parents and carers. Schools are encouraged to consider using a 'parent portal' for viewing resources, with the stipulation that parents agree not to copy or share content due to copyright law. If online access is not feasible, copies may be provided for parents to take home under a similar agreement.
The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) discussed the updated guidance at their meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, as detailed in the Public reports pack. The council was briefed on the changes and the joint guidance document being prepared by the local authorities.
Schools will be expected to review their existing RSHE policies and curricula to align with the new DfE guidance. To support this transition, schools will be able to apply for training grants from early 2026 to help staff deliver the new curriculum with confidence, particularly on sensitive topics. The updated guidance acknowledges that staff may require training and support to manage difficult questions and to develop the skills and resources needed to cover these issues sensitively and effectively.
Following implementation, schools will need to evaluate the effectiveness of the new RSHE guidance by examining their mechanisms for assessing how well the curriculum is working. This will involve gathering feedback from teachers, pupils, and parents/carers, and using this information to make necessary adjustments. Transparent communication with all stakeholders regarding these evaluations will also be a key component of the curriculum delivery.
