Sunak backs age-appropriate sex education in schools

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has set out plans to rid schools of inappropriate relationship and sex education (RSE) classes, amidst growing concern that schools are inviting outside organisations to teach children explicit and non-scientific ideas about gender.

In 2019, RSE became compulsory in secondary schools, following increased pressure and concern that children were not being appropriately equipped to navigate potential exposure to online pornography or cyberbullying.

Sunak’s plan also intends to give parents greater rights to access and view teaching materials, following the Government’s clear RSE guidance that parents should be able to know what is being taught to their children.

This comes after the Information Commissioner refused to grant permission to parents requesting access to resources used in their children’s sex education classes earlier this month.

Some lessons, for instance, included videos provided by The Schools of Sexuality Education (SoSE) urging the children to become “trans allies”, as well as references to Mermaids, the controversial transgender children’s charity.

Mr Sunak, seeking to ensure protection of women and girls remains a priority for the government, has also set out plans to review the Equality Act 2010. He seeks to clarify that the Act’s mention of sex means biological sex, not gender. This will mean biological males cannot compete in women’s sport and single-sex facilities, including changing rooms, are protected.