Northern Ireland
Relationships and sexuality education (RSE) is mandatory for all pupils. Each school develops its own RSE policy in line with the school’s ethos.
In secondary schools, a parent can remove a pupil from sessions covering sexual health and the prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.
Other RSE lessons are mandatory.
Wales
RSE has been a mandatory part of the curriculum since 2022.
Guidance to schools sets out which “developmentally-appropriate” topics should be covered from age three to 16.
A legal challenge to RSE by a group of parents was rejected in the High Court in 2022.
Scotland
Local authorities are responsible for the delivery of relationships, sexual health and parenthood (RSHP) education in schools.
Parents and carers are allowed to to view key teaching materials, and can withdraw their children from the sexual health elements of RSHP education.
The Scottish government is in the process of finalising updated guidance, after a public consultation in 2023.
