Moving beyond compliance: creating clarity, consistency and confidence
Relationships and Sexual Health Education (RSE) is an important part of preparing young people for life beyond school. It supports students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to build healthy relationships, make informed decisions, understand their wellbeing and seek support when needed.
However, in many international schools, RSE can sometimes develop informally. Lessons may be delivered through pastoral programmes, health education, wellbeing initiatives or individual teachers’ expertise. While this approach may provide valuable learning experiences, it can also create inconsistency.
What is taught, when it is taught, who teaches it and how sensitive topics are approached can vary significantly.
One way schools can create greater clarity and consistency is through the development of a dedicated RSE policy.
Is an RSE policy a legal requirement?
The requirement for schools to have a specific RSE policy varies around the world. Many countries require schools to provide education related to relationships, sexuality, health or wellbeing, but do not necessarily require a standalone RSE policy.
For international schools, this creates an important opportunity: an RSE policy should not only be viewed as a response to legislation, but as a tool to support good educational practice.
Country Examples
England: Relationships Education and RSE policy requirements
England provides one of the clearest examples of a country requiring schools to have a specific policy. Schools delivering Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education are expected to have a written policy outlining their approach.
The policy should explain:
- The purpose and aims of the curriculum.
- The content that will be taught.
- How lessons will be delivered.
- How parents and carers are informed.
- How the curriculum is reviewed.
This provides transparency and helps schools communicate their approach to families. More information can be found on pages 4 and 5 about policy content guidance from the UK Department for Education. UK RSHE Guidance
Beyond the UK, policy development is not mandatory.
Singapore: National guidance within Character and Citizenship Education
In Singapore, Sexuality Education is delivered through the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum. The Ministry of Education provides a nationally developed programme, learning outcomes and teaching resources for schools. While schools are not required to produce a standalone RSE policy, they are expected to deliver the programme in line with national guidance and school values. Many schools communicate their approach through student handbooks, curriculum guides or wellbeing policies.
Sinagpore’s approach ensures consistency and reduces the burden from teacher, however this approach for international schools could be considered quite restructive and not as inclusive as some schools may wish to offer.
Some countries embed their guidance into their overall education curriculum like Thailand.
Thailand: Health Education within the Basic Education Curriculum
Thailand includes sexuality education within Health and Physical Education as part of the national curriculum. Implementation varies between schools, and international schools often adapt programmes to meet both local expectations and international curricula.
Why should international schools consider creating a policy?
Benefits for Schools
1. Creating a shared vision
An RSE policy provides an opportunity for schools to clearly articulate:
- Why RSE is important.
- What students should learn.
- How RSE connects with safeguarding, wellbeing and personal development.
- How the curriculum reflects the school’s values.
Without a clear policy, RSE can become a collection of disconnected lessons rather than a coherent curriculum.
2. Ensuring consistency and progression
A policy helps schools establish expectations around:
- Curriculum content.
- Age and developmental appropriateness.
- Progression across year groups.
- Teaching approaches.
- Curriculum review.
This ensures that students receive a planned learning journey rather than relying on individual teachers deciding what to cover.
3. Supporting safeguarding
RSE and safeguarding are closely connected. A clear policy can outline:
- How sensitive topics are approached.
- How teachers respond to student questions.
- How disclosures are managed.
- How students are signposted to support.
This helps staff feel more confident and ensures students receive consistent messages about safety and support.
Benefits for teachers
1. Building confidence
Many teachers report feeling uncertain about delivering RSE, particularly when discussing sensitive topics.
A policy provides reassurance by clarifying:
- What teachers are expected to teach.
- What language and terminology should be used.
- How challenging questions should be handled.
- Where to seek support.
Teachers do not need to have all the answers, but they do need the knowledge, guidance and support to facilitate effective conversations.
2. Reducing reliance on individual confidence
Without a clear approach, RSE provision can depend heavily on individual teachers.
A strong policy ensures that:
- Quality does not vary depending on who teaches the lesson.
- New staff understand expectations.
- Professional development needs can be identified.
3. Supporting professional dialogue
Developing a policy encourages important conversations among staff:
- What do we want students to learn?
- How do we approach sensitive topics?
- What language do we use?
- How do we respect different perspectives while remaining evidence-informed?
These discussions help create a shared culture across the school.
Benefits for parents and carers
1. Increasing transparency
Parents and carers often want to understand:
- What their child will learn.
- Why it is being taught.
- How topics are introduced.
- How the school approaches sensitive discussions.
An RSE policy provides a clear reference point.
2. Building trust
Open communication helps families understand that RSE is not simply about biological information. It supports students to develop:
- Respectful relationships.
- Communication skills.
- Decision-making abilities.
- Confidence in seeking support.
- Understanding of health and wellbeing.
What should an effective RSE policy include?
While each school’s policy should reflect its own context, a comprehensive RSE policy may include:
Purpose and aims
- Why the school provides RSE.
- How it supports student wellbeing and development.
Curriculum approach
- Content covered.
- Learning progression.
- Age and developmental considerations.
- Definitions of key terminology
Teaching and learning
- How lessons are delivered and by whom.
- Expectations for classroom discussion.
- Approaches to student questions.
Safeguarding
- Links with child protection procedures.
- Responding to disclosures.
- Student support pathways.
Community engagement
- How parents and carers are informed.
- Opportunities for dialogue.
Staff development
- Training expectations.
- Support for teachers.
Review and evaluation
- How feedback is gathered.
- How the curriculum is improved.
- When the curriculum is reviewed
Reflection Questions
- Does your school have a clear, documented approach to Relationships and Sexual Health Education, and is it understood by staff, students and parents?
- How could an RSE policy improve consistency, transparency and confidence within your school community?
- What is one action your school could take to begin developing or strengthening its RSE policy?