fighting for high quality RSE

Brook is committed to fighting for high quality, comprehensive and inclusive RSE as a universal right for all young people including those not in mainstream education.  

In 23/24, we expanded our provision in alternative education and non-mainstream settings, delivering tailored RSE to 3,500 young people in pupil referral units and specialist schools across England and Wales.  

Brook has once again been a fantastic resource for our complex pupils. Brook delivered some fantastic sessions that engaged our pupils, and I am sure the sessions will make a concrete difference in keeping them safe and healthy in the future. Their manner allowed pupils to feel like they were in a safe environment where they could ask questions without judgment. The team created a bespoke programme that catered specifically the needs of our cohort. We are so grateful to have Brook supporting us.

Woodbridge Park CATE (Pupil Referral Unit)

Leading the fight for inclusive RSE

This year, the government committed to reviewing the 2020 statutory guidance for schools, and we are fighting harder than ever to challenge the anti-RSE campaigners by shouting louder about the positive impact RSE has on the lives of young people as they develop into adulthood. 

In July 2023, Brook was invited to present to the independent expert advisory panel which is advising the Secretary of State for Education on the review of the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum. Presenting alongside the Sex Education Forum and the PSHE Association, Brook’s evidence heavily focussed on the importance of RSE for safeguarding as well as our concerns on the suggested introduction of age restrictions for certain topics. 

The only reason I fear for my safety is because the people around me grew up with no normalised conversations of the existence of queer people. The irony is the only thing we are taught is homophobia.

Max Hovey, content creator and writer 

As part of our ongoing relationship with the Department for Education, Brook coordinated a diverse collection of young people’s voices detailing what they want from good RSE. Working with sector partners including Girlguiding, SafeLives and Sexpression UK, we shared our report with the DfE to inform the RSHE guidance review.

In November 2023, young people supported by Brook wrote a letter to The Secretary of State for Education and The Minister of State for Schools. The letter expressed young people’s key concerns and hopes for the revised RSHE guidance. 

Our Parliamentary RSE allies  

In 23/24, we worked closely with The Rt Hon Dame Maria Miller and Sarah Champion MP, who both share our vision for RSE and fought hard in 2017 to steer mandatory RSE through parliament.  

In May 2023, together with the Sex Education Forum, we convened a roundtable in Westminster, inviting 25 partners representing the broad range of experts within the RSHE sector. Our findings informed joint briefings reminding MPs of the significant consensus behind statutory RSE and the 2019 guidance, and providing evidence to counter the misinformation that is currently dominating the discourse. 

In September, we joined forces again to invite MPs and Members of the House of Lords to hear directly from young people, teachers and experts about why high-quality RSE matters and address many of the common misconceptions. After hearing from our panel of experts in safeguarding, LGBT+ inclusion, violence against women and girls, and sexual health, our audience took positive action by signing our pledge for high-quality, inclusive RSHE.  

The pledge has been signed by more than 125 organisations including NSPCC, Barnardo’s, Girlguiding, Plan International and Superdrug, as well as 350 individuals including parents and teachers.  

Not only must the curriculum cover key topics to promote respectful relationships and tackle abusive attitudes, but teachers must also be trained and supported to deliver this challenging topic in an engaging and effective manner. I am proud to sign a pledge to support these values and ideas, as well as promoting and celebrating the importance of RSHE in all schools.

Sarah Champion MP

Protecting LGBT+ young people

Throughout 23/24, we continued to champion policies that protect and empower LGBT+ young people, at a time when their rights are increasingly under attack.  

In September, Brook was invited by Welsh Government officials to provide feedback on the National Transgender Guidance for Schools and Local Authorities. We look forward to seeing the new draft informed by our expertise.  

In December 2023, the DfE published its draft non-statutory guidance for schools on gender questioning young people. Brook believes this guidance puts young people at greater risk and you can read our statement on our blog.

Following two public petitions, one to remove LGBT+ content from relationships education and one to keep LGBT+ content in relationships education, a Westminster Hall debate took place in March 2024. Brook provided a briefing to members of the APPG on Global LGBT+ Rights as well as a bespoke briefing to Sarah Champion MP. Our primary focus remained on safeguarding and mental health, sexual health and inclusion.  

I want to thank the House of Commons Library, Brook, the Sex Education Forum and others for their helpful briefings in advance of today’s debate.

Elliot Colburn MP