National Curriculum

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education

Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is an important and necessary part of all pupils’ education. 

PSHE is a non-statutory subject; there is no standardised framework or programmes of study- schools are allowed the flexibility to develop their own high quality PSHE programme. PSHE can encompass many areas of study. Teachers are best placed to understand the needs of their pupils and do not need additional central prescription.

Schools are expected to use their PSHE education programme to equip pupils with a sound understanding of risk and with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions.

Schools should seek to use PSHE education to build, where appropriate, on the statutory content already outlined in the national curriculum, the basic school curriculum and in statutory guidance on: drug education, financial education, sex and relationship education (SRE) and the importance of physical activity and diet for a healthy lifestyle.

Relationships and Health Education

Relationships and sex education (RSE) is an important part of PSHE education. Relationships education is compulsory for all primary school pupils, and relationships and sex education (RSE) is compulsory for all secondary school pupils.