Schools across the UK are set to receive a new package of support aimed at tackling misogyny and harmful attitudes among pupils. The Education Secretary has unveiled a plan that includes a practical framework, resources, teacher training, and parent support.
The initiative seeks to foster a culture of respect and belonging, embedding positive attitudes through classroom teaching, enrichment activities, and pastoral care. This builds on the strengthened Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum already in place.
New data from May indicates that 50% of girls reported hearing misogynistic comments from other pupils during a week at school. Additionally, 30% of year 10 and 11 pupils stated they had recently heard comments that raised concerns about girls' safety.
To support teachers with the RSHE curriculum, the government is investing £150,000 in a new expert advisory group. This group will develop resources for delivering sensitive topics. Two new programmes, part of the £16 million Violence Against Women and Girls Prevention Programme, have also started this week, focusing on improving attitudes towards healthy relationships among secondary pupils and challenging harmful online influences in boys.