From September 2020 government guidelines outline that, from the age of 11, it is compulsory for all schools to provide a Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and health education curriculum.

At BEP Academy, we believe that it is important to provide our students with age-appropriate information about sex and relationships. The purpose of the curriculum is to provide knowledge and understanding of safe and healthy relationships based on respect. This is to encourage the development of safe and healthy relationships throughout life. The subject is designed to help children from all backgrounds build positive and safe relationships, and to thrive in modern Britain.

The details of what will be taught to the various year groups is detailed in our RSE and Health Education Policy, which can be accessed on our school website, or in hard copy via the school office.

BEP Academy must provide all students with Relationship and Health Education as part of RSE curriculum, however, as parents, you are entitled to request that your child be removed from sex education lessons which also form part of the RSE curriculum. As a parent you can request that your child is removed from sex education lessons up to and until three terms before they turn 16 years old. After that point, if your child wishes to receive sex education, BEP Academy will make arrangements to provide them with this during one of those terms.

Please note, sex education as part of the National Science Curriculum is compulsory and students cannot be withdrawn from this. Requests for withdrawal should be submitted in writing to the Principal, who will discuss this with you and determine an appropriate course of action. There is no right to withdraw from Relationships Education or Health Education at secondary level and we believe the content of these subjects – such as family, friendship, safety (including online safety) and mental well-being are important for all children to be taught.

However, we are confident you will share our enthusiasm for the successful implementation of the new curriculum, which we feel will benefit all our students.

If you have any concerns or queries about your child’s participation in these lessons, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or your child’s Learning Manager to discuss these.

Mrs J Green,
Principal, BEP Academy