RSHE 2026: Statutory changes you need to know

The Department for Education (DfE) has published new statutory guidance on relationships, sex and health education (RSHE), replacing guidance last updated in 2019.

Blog

13/03/2026

From September 2026, all schools will be legally required to update their RSHE curriculum and have an up-to-date written policy for relationships education or (where applicable) RSE in place.

These changes matter because good quality RSHE plays a vital role in preparing pupils for adult life, supporting their moral, social, mental and physical development. Crucially, it is also a key safeguarding tool, helping young people recognise when something is wrong and understand how to seek help.

That safeguarding role has never been more important. In our latest Annual Governance Survey, one in three governors identified online abuse as a priority concern for their school or trust. Against this backdrop, it is reassuring to see online safety and related issues more explicitly addressed within the updated RSHE guidance.

What’s changed?

Many changes to the RSHE curriculum revolve around what it’s like to grow up as a child in 2026 and the new challenges and influences young people face as a result. While some of the topics are more sensitive, the guidance recommends taking a positive approach to learning:

“Schools should focus on building positive attitudes and skills, promoting healthy norms about relationships, including sexual relationships where relevant, and about health, including mental health. Schools should avoid language which might normalise harmful behaviour among young people – for example gendered language which might normalise male violence or stigmatise boys.”

For primary pupils, the updated guidance places a stronger focus on online safety and wellbeing, the use of accurate terminology for body parts (including genitalia), and the introduction of personal safety around water, roads, and railways. There’s also greater emphasis on helping children understand change and loss, including bereavement, and on developing communication skills, assertiveness, and the confidence to express personal needs and boundaries.

For secondary pupils, new content includes AI literacy, while personal safety now extends to topics such as knife crime and conflict resolution. There’s a much stronger focus on tackling misogyny, incel culture, and their influence on attitudes toward women and girls, as well as recognising how these issues can negatively affect boys and young men. The guidance also explores the impact of pornography and introduces more detailed learning about menstrual and gynaecological health, including conditions like endometriosis and menopause. Finally, there’s a greater emphasis on equipping pupils with the skills and confidence to access healthcare services when they need them.

A whole school approach

The new guidance encourages schools to develop their RSHE curriculum as part of a whole-school approach to wellbeing and positive relationships. This means linking RSHE to wider school policies — including behaviour and safeguarding — so that everything works together to create a supportive environment.

A key part of this process is consultation and collaboration. Schools are encouraged to engage with their community and ensure the content shaped by stakeholder voice and delivered by individuals who feel confident and empowered. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

For pupils … it’s about meaningful involvement — making sure the curriculum feels inclusive, relevant, and engaging.
For parents … it means open communication and transparency around the content being taught and the materials being used.
For the wider community … it can involve working with local partners and organisations to understand and respond to specific local issues.
For staff and delivery leads … it’s about having the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create a safe, supportive classroom environment.
For school leaders ... it includes explaining to the governing board how stakeholder feedback has shaped the new RSHE provision.

Next steps

So, what does all this mean in practice for the academic year ahead? There are a few key actions schools should be taking now to prepare:

Review existing PSHE curriculum – Ensure school leaders have reviewed the current curriculum and identified any gaps or areas for development to ensure full alignment.
Update your policies – Make sure school leaders have RSHE policies that are up to date and reflect the new statutory requirements.
Plan CPD and staff training – Ask leaders about the CPD staff are receiving. Do they need extra support? Could they benefit from deepening their knowledge of new curriculum content areas?

Taking these steps now will help ensure your school is fully prepared and confident ahead of September’s implementation.

This blog was created in collaboration with our partners at the PSHE Association.

Megan Tate

Senior Policy and Research Officer

Megan’s role involves supporting NGA’s policy, research and information team. She is responsible for policy relating to the environment and sustainability.

RSHE

A good quality relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) curriculum provides young people with the information they need to build healthy relationships with others and to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives.

Our RSHE guidance supports governing boards to fulfil their role in ensuring that RSHE provision is compliant and meets the needs of all pupils.