The UK government has published new guidance for schools in England on transgender pupils, emphasising that parents must be informed if their child wishes to change their gender identity at school. The Department for Education (DfE) says teachers should take a 'very cautious approach' when pupils request to use a new name, pronouns, or uniform.
Under the guidance, teachers may withhold information from parents only in 'exceptionally rare' circumstances where telling them could put the child at 'significant' risk of harm. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan stated: 'Parents' views must also be at the heart of all decisions made about their children.' Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch added that schools 'do not have to accept a child's request to socially transition'.
The guidance clarifies that teachers or pupils should not be pressured into using different pronouns, and that staff, pupils, and parents do not have to observe a child's chosen name and pronouns if they 'hold protected religious or other beliefs that conflict with the decision'. It also mandates that toilets, changing rooms, and some sports should be separated based on a child's birth sex, and that single-sex toilets must be provided for pupils aged eight and over.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) welcomed the publication, saying it would review the guidance for clarity and deliverability. However, some teachers expressed concerns anonymously, with one stating the guidance could 'complicate school life even further' and 'provides little assurance' for transgender or non-binary children. Another said they would not 'out' a child against their wishes but would encourage them to speak to their parents.
The guidance, which has been promised since 2018, is now subject to a 12-week public consultation before being finalised. It reaffirms single-sex schools' right to refuse to admit pupils of the opposite sex, even if they are questioning their gender, and requires schools to record the name and biological sex of every pupil in the admissions register.
