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How Can RSE Training Better Equip Teachers in the UK?

Writer's picture: Training WorksTraining Works

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is a cornerstone of empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate relationships, health, and personal safety. However, many teachers across the UK report feeling deskilled and ill-prepared to deliver high-quality RSE. This gap in training has significant implications for the confidence of educators and the effectiveness of RSE in schools.


Teachers often express that the rapidly evolving landscape of societal norms, digital relationships, and complex issues such as gender identity, consent, and online safety leaves them feeling unequipped to address students’ needs. Without specialised training, educators may lack the tools to approach sensitive topics with clarity and inclusivity, leading to inconsistent delivery and missed opportunities to engage students meaningfully.

This disconnect between teachers’ preparedness and young people’s expectations is evident in student feedback. Many young people feel that their RSE lessons are outdated, overly focused on biological processes, and lacking practical guidance on emotional well-being, consent, and navigating modern relationships. In surveys, students have called for more relatable, interactive, and inclusive content that reflects the diversity of experiences they encounter in their lives.


A whole-school approach to RSE offers a transformative solution. By embedding RSE into the school’s ethos and ensuring that all staff receive up-to-date training, schools can create a consistent and supportive environment for students. This approach ensures that RSE is not relegated to isolated lessons but is reinforced through school policies, assemblies, pastoral care, and cross-curricular links. When teachers feel confident and supported, their ability to engage students improves, fostering trust and openness in the classroom.


Investing in RSE training for teachers is an investment in the future of young people. It equips educators to deliver lessons that are relevant, inclusive, and empowering, ensuring that students leave school with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their lives and relationships. A well-trained teaching workforce is the foundation of effective, impactful RSE that meets the needs of today’s young people.

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