Another step close to quality SRE – a right for all students

Last month, MPs from across the political spectrum added their voices to the groundswell of support for “life lessons” to be a statutory part of the curriculum. The Education Select Committee, having heard evidence from teachers, policy experts, charities, faith groups and local authorities, finally pronounced that they “accept the argument that statutory status is needed for PSHE, with sex and relationships education (SRE) as a core part of it”. The committee has now called for all primary and secondary schools to teach the subjects.

Of course, its report provides only recommendations and with the election looming ministers have unsurprisingly kicked the issue into the long grass with a promise to “consider the findings carefully”. However, the next government will have a duty to respond to the committee and outline its position.