Overview

This bill mandates that all schools in England and Wales provide sex and relationships education (SRE) to registered pupils. It amends the Education Act 1996 to include SRE, allowing pupils of "sufficient maturity" to request exemption.

Description

The Sex and Relationships Education Bill amends the Education Act 1996 to ensure comprehensive SRE in schools. Key changes include:

• Mandatory SRE: All maintained schools, academies, and other specified school types must provide SRE.
• Curriculum Expansion: The curriculum is expanded to include the nature of civil partnerships and the importance of strong and stable relationships.
• Exemption Clause: Pupils of "sufficient maturity" can request exemption from all or part of SRE. The Secretary of State will define "sufficient maturity" through regulations that require parliamentary approval.
• Definition Clarification: The definition of "sex and relationships education" is amended in the Act, specifically excluding human reproduction education taught as part of science.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The cost will likely be associated with teacher training, curriculum development, and enforcement. No figures are available in the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Schools: Schools will be responsible for implementing the new SRE curriculum and may require additional resources and training.
• Pupils: Pupils will receive mandatory SRE, although they can request exemption if deemed of sufficient maturity. Parental views are not explicitly addressed in this bill text.
• Teachers: Teachers will need to deliver the expanded SRE curriculum, requiring professional development and potentially new resources.
• Parents/Guardians: While not directly mentioned in terms of rights, they might have indirect influence through their children's requests for exemption or through engagement with the schools about the content of SRE.

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