A 'postcode lottery' of sex education has long plagued the UK's further education sector, leaving students vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Labour MP Alistair Strathern's private member's bill seeks to address this issue by making Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) mandatory for all students up to the age of 18.
The Duston School in Northampton, which educates pupils from primary to post-16, has already begun tackling these issues through its RSE programme. The school's sixth formers recently attended an assembly on 'sextortion', a growing concern where teenagers are coerced into sending intimate images that can be used for blackmail.
Students at the school expressed concerns about the damaging influence of some male social media figures, who they claim foster a culture where sexual relationships are seen as 'trophies'. Isabelle, 17, recounted receiving social media threats and credited her open communication with family for preventing the situation from escalating. "Something needs to be done," she said, "because there is a wide world out there and when you leave school, you're on your own."
Imani, 16, highlighted the impact of external factors like reality television shows, which she believes significantly shape young people's perceptions of sex and body image. Kelly Wells, the lead practitioner for RSE at The Duston School, agreed that students need more guidance as they transition into adulthood.
The proposed bill aims to address a gap in current provisions, where further education colleges and sixth forms are not required to provide RSE – although voluntary provision is encouraged. The new government guidance on relationships, sex, and health education will become legally binding from September 2026, but primarily outlines content up to the end of secondary school.
Source: Make it Mandatory campaign, The Duston School