Misogyny lessons in England's schools: what RSHE now teaches and what parents can decide

England's Department for Education announced on 26 September a whole-school plan to tackle misogyny: schools will get practical guides, teacher training and materials for working with parents. The trigger is in the numbers the department quotes: 50% of girls reported hearing misogynistic comments from other pupils within a single school week, and 30% of Year 10 and 11 pupils had recently heard comments that made them worry about girls' safety.

What exactly was announced?

Three concrete things. First, an expert RSHE advisory group with a £150,000 budget will develop resources for teachers on the most sensitive topics. Second, a £16 million violence-against-women-and-girls prevention programme: two pilots started this week — one for secondary pupils on healthy relationship attitudes, and one aimed specifically at boys, challenging harmful attitudes and negative online influences; the approach will be rolled out more widely once the pilots are evaluated. Third, programmes with the Youth Endowment Fund for children aged 12 to 16, promoting respect, resilience and positive role models.

What has already changed in lessons since 1 September?

The bigger change is not in the new plan but in the updated compulsory RSHE curriculum (relationships, sex and health education), in force in all England's schools since 1 September 2026. Under it, pupils are now explicitly taught to recognise misogyny and other forms of prejudice; they study deepfakes — how widespread they are, the harm they cause and how to spot them; they discuss subcultures such as so-called 'incels' and online influencers who push their own norms; and they learn that the internet contains content encouraging misogyny and violence, and where to go for advice and support if they encounter it.

Can parents withdraw a child from these lessons?

Only partly. The right of withdrawal applies solely to sex education: in primary school the head teacher must grant such a request automatically, while in secondary school it can be refused only in exceptional circumstances, for example over safeguarding concerns. And from three terms before their 16th birthday, a pupil can opt back into sex education even against their parents' wishes. There is no right of withdrawal from relationships education, health education, or topics taught as part of the science curriculum — including puberty and reproduction. Misogyny and online safety fall under 'relationships', which means every pupil will cover them.

What must the school show parents?

Under the statutory guidance, a school must make all RSHE teaching materials available to parents, give advance notice of sex education content, and publish its RSHE policy — including how it was produced and when it is reviewed. If you want to know exactly what your child will be taught, request the materials from the school directly: they cannot refuse.

What comes next?

Media literacy is set to be strengthened in the forthcoming curriculum reforms, teaching children to assess online content critically and to recognise manipulation. The £16 million pilots will be evaluated before a wider rollout; the release names no dates — we are following it. More on schools: free clubs in 400 schools in our explainer, SEND support here, and if you are choosing a secondary school, applications close on 31 October.