News and updates
Back to school: what’s new in the guidance for September?
The two main pieces of guidance that will take effect for schools in September are:
Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
Some parts have improved, but we remain seriously concerned about the guidance on supporting LGBTQIA+ young people.
The recent EHRC code of practice, while not applicable to schools, will also have a knock on impact on young Trans+ people.
We can not offer legal advice, but this summary aims to help you make sense of the new changes impacting schools.
Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education
What does the guidance say?
Pupils should be taught that people with the protected characteristic of gender reassignment “have protection from discrimination and should be treated with respect and dignity.”
However...
Schools should also be “mindful” that there is “significant debate” around gender reassignment, and should not “endorse any particular view.”
Schools should avoid materials that “oversimplify this topic,” are “aimed at younger children” or “encourage pupils to question their gender.”
What are our concerns?
This guidance only covers one part of the curriculum, but we are concerned about the impact this may have within and beyond RSHE.
The guidance is vague and contradictory, and pushes schools away from inclusive resources.
This could create a postcode lottery of how the guidance will be interpreted.
The language frames Trans+ identities as a debate, and implies inclusive teaching poses a risk to young people.
The guidance fails to recognise the experience of young Trans+ people, and entirely excludes intersex characteristics and asexual identities.
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
What does the guidance say?
Pupils must not use toilets or changing areas designated for the opposite “biological sex.”
Any mixed-sex toilets should be in “individual, lockable rooms and open directly onto public areas.”
Schools should not "initiate any action" on social transition, and should not make changes without a joint decision by school and parents, plus the consideration of other pupils' welfare.
Schools are encouraged to revisit decisions they've already made to support a pupil socially transitioning.
It states parents and carers must be informed except in “rare circumstances” that this would pose a greater risk.
For primary schools it says they expect support for full social transition “to be agreed very rarely.”
What are our concerns?
Trans+ young people could lose access to the facilities they've been using safely for years, and be pushed into inadequate “third spaces” instead.
Framing gender identity and social transition as a safeguarding risk treats Trans+ young people as a problem to manage.
The term “gender-questioning” undermines the many Trans+ young people who already know exactly who they are.
Confidentiality is at risk, and young people could be outed to unsupportive parents, teachers and peers before they're ready.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Code of Practice
What is the code?
This code of practice came into force on August 5 2026, and does not apply to schools, only service providers.
It is not a law in itself, but accompanies the Supreme Court judgement from the For Women Scotland case, meaning courts must take it into account.
The code sets out that single sex spaces and services should be based on “biological sex” regardless of an individual having a Gender Recognition Certificate.
This guidance is for service providers to consider their policies, there is no responsibility on the individual to change their behaviour.
We recommend seeking further legal advice on how this will impact single sex spaces, organisations and associations.
What are our concerns?
While this particular Code of Practice does not apply to schools, it will impact pupils as they navigate services outside of schools.
The impact of the For Women Scotland ruling, which triggered the new Code of Practice, has now also been seen in the KSCIE guidance.
The negative public discussion around the Supreme Court ruling and EHRC Code of Practice may also have harmful consequences for the wellbeing of young Trans+ people.
The EHRC has indicated that they will also be updating their Employment Code of Practice, which will have further implications.
What’s next?
We will continue to push back against the continued attacks on our community, and fighting the guidance that fails LGBTIQA+ young people.
Visit our resources page to find links to free, inclusive resources to help support every young person in education.
We encourage you to keep contacting your local politicians and decision makers to highlight these concerns around the erosion of Trans+ rights.
Pride in Education declines invite to Speaker’s House LGBT+ History Month Reception
Pride in Education has chosen not to attend the Speaker's LGBT+ History Month Reception today, 4 February 2026.
At a time when trans and non-binary rights are being rolled back, conversion practices remain legal, and intersex and asexual people lack full protection, we don't believe celebration without accountability is appropriate.
Since 2020, we've supported education practitioners to create inclusive spaces intersectionally for all LGBTIQA+ people. This work grows increasingly challenging amid confusing legal rulings, shifting guidance, and reactive policy changes affecting trans and non-binary lives.
We remain committed to engaging with MPs and policymakers, holding government accountable through advocacy and evidence-based action. We stand with LGBTIQA+ organisations challenging the government and supporting our communities.
In 2026, we need mobilisation and meaningful action, not symbolic gestures and photo opportunities. We welcome a meeting with the Department for Education to revise the 2026 guidance for RSHE and work toward real inclusive change.
We wish everyone a great LGBT+ History Month that inspires, informs, and invigorates us all to keep advocating for our communities.
UK Supreme Court Ruling – what we know so far and Pride in Education’s concerns with the ruling
In response to the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the definition of “woman” under the Equality Act 2010, we have compiled this summary to outline what the ruling means, express our concerns about its potential impact on trans, non-binary, and intersex inclusion—particularly within education—and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to creating inclusive, safe, and supportive environments for all.
Trans & Non Binary Education
The Department for Education (DfE) in England has released a draft, non-statutory guidance for schools on gender-questioning children, which is currently in the consultation phase. Pride in Education has joined a coalition of LGBTQ+ organisations to collectively respond to the draft and ensure that all LGBTQ+ young people feel safe and supported in their educational environment.
For more information please visit Trans & Non-Binary Education Network
Standing in solidarity: Advocating for education and peace in conflict zones
Pride in Education stands in solidarity with the children and young people of Gaza and victims of genocides and conflicts worldwide, including those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, and Palestine. As stated in Article 28 of the UNCRC, children and young people have the right to education regardless of their race, gender, or disability, whether they are in detention or are refugees. We denounce the destruction of schools, colleges, and universities and acknowledge its devastating impact on the education of all children and young people living in war zones.
The inability to access education in such circumstances has a profoundly negative effect on the well-being and future prospects of these vulnerable young individuals. We call for a ceasefire in all conflict zones and urge global support to rebuild educational infrastructure and ensure access to inclusive quality education for all affected children and young people.
It is imperative to create a more compassionate society where everyone, regardless of their identity, has the right to self-determination, can thrive, and be their authentic selves. Let's unite in our efforts to forge a brighter future where every child and young person has the opportunity to flourish in an environment of acceptance, equality, and peace.
Concerns over decline in UK LGBTIQA+ rights
In 2022, ILGA (the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) released their ranking of LGBTQIA+ rights for this year - where it was seen that the UK has yet again slipped down the list, now ranking at 17th.
In 2015 the UK saw itself at the top of the list, but the continued erosion of LGBTQIA+ rights has become a real cause for concern, particularly around conversion therapy and trans rights.
Pride in Education urges the UK government to follow through on its commitment to ban all conversion practices and to remove the block on the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill.
Pride in Education is deeply alarmed by the recent decline of human rights in the UK, particularly for the LGBTIQA+ community. It is dismaying but not entirely surprising to see the UK fall three places down to 17th on the ILGA-Europe rankings ,for LGBTIQA+ rights in one year.
From being number 1 in 2015 to number 17 in 2023, the UK used to be a beacon for LGBTIQA+ rights, and this decline is a cause for great concern. The reasons are outlined in the report and include the lack of reforms around gender identity, the absence of intersex recognition, the increasingly hostile political discourse surrounding trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive people and their rights, and the government's stalled response to implement a full-scale ban on awful conversion practices. We are acutely aware of the detrimental impact this has had on the lives, well-being, and mental health of LGBTIQA+ individuals, especially young people at particularly vulnerable formative points in their lives. This toxic environment has led to an increase in hate crime targeted at the LGBTIQA+ community, especially towards trans individuals, and this situation must be remedied immediately.
It is important to note that reports like "More in Common" in 2022 showed that the UK public is opposed to the anti-trans and anti-LGBTIQA+ rhetoric. Therefore, these majority views and the adverse impact this anti-LGBTIQA+ rhetoric is having on the community must not be ignored. In solidarity with all LGBTIQA+-led charities, Pride in Education urges the British government to follow through on its commitment to ban all conversion practices and to remove the block on the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill. The UK must become a safer and more welcoming place for everyone!
It is crucial that this and future governments acknowledge and address the concerns of the LGBTIQA+ community and take active measures to progress and protect all LGBTIQA+ people in all of their diversity. Until then, Pride in Education remains committed to sharing the positive impact through our conference and material; that inclusive education is key to unlocking the ability to overcome this harmful anti-LGBTIQA+ environment.