Educational Institutions: Sex

(asked on 19th May 2025) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the decision of the Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16, what plans they have to issue guidance to schools about single-sex spaces, sports and activities for pupils and staff of the same biological sex.


Answered by
Baroness Smith of Malvern Portrait
Baroness Smith of Malvern
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
This question was answered on 30th May 2025

The government has set out its expectation that organisations follow the clarity the ruling provides. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has already committed to supporting organisations with its updated statutory code of practice. We will engage them as necessary as they progress this work.

For children in schools, the department are currently reviewing the draft statutory relationships, sex and health education guidance and the draft non-statutory guidance on gender questioning children, ensuring that children’s wellbeing is at the heart of both. Departmental officials are analysing consultation responses, talking to stakeholders and considering the evidence, including the Cass Review, before deciding next steps.

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