Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the oral contribution of the Prime Minister of 8 March 2023, Official Report, column 298, whether it is the Government's policy to retain a compulsory provision of RSHE in schools.

It remains the Department’s intention to retain compulsory provision of relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) in primary and secondary schools.

As stated by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, the review of the statutory RSHE guidance, which was originally due to start in September 2023, has been brought forward to address concerns expressed regarding the teaching and content of sex education. The first phase is underway, and the Department will start to engage stakeholders, including schools, parents, and pupils over the next few months.