Relationships, Sex & Health Education: What You Need to Know
Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) helps young people understand relationships, respect, health, wellbeing and how to stay safe. Updated guidance from the Department for Education came into effect on 1 September 2026.
What does RSHE cover?
- Relationships: Respect, friendships, families, boundaries and staying safe online.
- Sex and relationships: Consent, healthy relationships, sexual health and understanding risks such as sexually transmitted infections.
- Health and wellbeing: Physical health, mental wellbeing and making positive choices
Whats new in 2026?
The updated guidance puts greater emphasis on:
- Online safety and AI
- Recognising misogyny, abuse and sexual violence
- Consent, respect and personal boundaries
- Looking after your mental health and wellbeing
- Building confidence and resilience
What about parents?
Parents can request to withdraw their child from some or all sex education taught as part of secondary RSE, although this does not include compulsory science lessons. Parents cannot withdraw children from statutory Relationships or Health Education.
RSHE is about giving young people the knowledge and confidence to make informed, safe and respectful choices.
