A revision guide for the Citizenship Studies GCSE has sparked controversy after advising pupils that Britons have a responsibility 'to use freedom of speech but not offend'. The textbook, published by Pearson Edexcel, has drawn criticism from campaigners and politicians who argue it promotes a culture of censorship in schools.
Contentious guidance on free speech
The guide states that 'freedom of speech may be misused to promote extremist views' and adds: 'This should be limited so it protects rights and does not discriminate against others.' Almost 21,000 pupils took the subject in England in 2025. Last night, campaigners said the book was 'whipping up cancel culture' and criticised Labour for its plans to extend citizenship lessons to more pupils.
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott said: 'It's utterly wrong-headed to teach children they have a right not to be offended. Schools should be places where ideas are tested and debated, not repressed.' Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has made citizenship lessons compulsory for primary school pupils as part of Labour's 'plan for change'. Mrs Trott added: 'Labour wants to double down on more citizenship in our schools. We need less ideology and more focus on the core skills that equip children for life beyond the classroom, not wrap them in cotton wool.'
Gender identity and discrimination
The textbook also angered gender-critical campaigners with its take on transgender issues. It says it is 'discrimination' to provide toilets only for men and women and that 'human rights come ahead of the right of a country to conduct its own affairs'. One example of discrimination listed is 'gender reassignment discrimination, eg toilets provided only for men or women'. In the 'Answers' section, it adds: 'Gender can change individual identity. For example, an individual born in one gender might choose to change to another gender, with changes in appearance, clothing, and practical aspects such as which public toilets they use.'
This appears to contradict the Supreme Court ruling last year, which stated that the word 'woman' refers to a biological woman and that single-sex spaces can legally be preserved.
Reactions and review
Lord Young of Action, director of the Free Speech Union, said: 'This revision guide is encouraging children to cancel their classmates for saying something they find offensive. It's whipping up cancel culture in schools. If children are being taught in school that the right to free speech doesn't include the right to be offensive, God help us.' He quoted Lord Justice Sedley, adding: 'Free speech includes not only the inoffensive, but the irritating, the contentious, the eccentric, the heretical, the unwelcome and the provocative, provided it does not tend to promote violence. Freedom only to speak inoffensively is not worth having.'
A Pearson spokesman said: 'Pearson regularly reviews its content to ensure it remains accurate and aligned with curriculum requirements and relevant government guidance. As part of this process, we are reviewing the wording in our citizenship studies revision guide and workbook for clarity and accuracy.'
A Department for Education spokesman said: 'Teaching children a range of viewpoints is vital, but our impartiality guidance is clear that all materials used by schools must be accurate, age appropriate and teachers must provide a balanced presentation of views where political issues are covered. Schools are free to include a full range of issues, ideas and materials in their curriculum, including where they are challenging or controversial, subject to their obligations to ensure political balance. As an independent organisation, it is up for Pearson Edexcel to decide on the content of their materials.'
