Under the updated rules, schools may agree to a child using pronouns associated with the opposite sex, but only after consulting parents and considering clinical advice where appropriate. The guidance stresses that schools must not initiate discussions about changing a child’s gender and should take a “very careful approach” if a request is made.
Primary schools are urged to exercise particular caution. The document warns that supporting a full social transition including changes to name, pronouns and uniform could place a child on an “irrevocable pathway” with lasting psychological and practical consequences. It states such support should be agreed “very rarely” for children under 11 and only in “exceptionally rare” circumstances.
The move marks a departure from draft proposals put forward by the Conservative government in 2023, which included an outright ban on primary-aged children adopting different pronouns at school.
The new statutory guidance makes clear there is no “one size fits all” response. Decisions must be made on a case-by-case basis and rooted in safeguarding law. Parents must be involved in almost all cases, except where doing so would create a safeguarding risk, such as in situations involving abuse.
However, the guidance also sets firm boundaries. Pupils will not be permitted to use toilets, changing rooms or single-sex PE classes designated for the opposite biological sex. Mixed-sex sleeping arrangements on school trips are also ruled out. Schools are instructed to maintain accurate records of a child’s birth sex.
In secondary schools, headteachers will have greater discretion but must still involve families wherever possible. The guidance states that biological sex can be considered in competitive sport where physical differences could create an unfair disadvantage.
The policy has drawn mixed reactions. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticised the changes, arguing they weaken the role of parents and open the door to young children being referred to in ways that do not reflect their biological sex.
Meanwhile, Maya Forstater, chief executive of the campaign group Sex Matters, described the approach as misguided and warned against facilitating social transition in schools.
In contrast, Baroness Cass, author of a landmark 2024 review into child gender services, backed the guidance, calling it practical and consistent with her recommendations.
The government says the aim is to move the issue away from culture-war politics and place it firmly within child protection law. Schools will be required to follow the guidance from September, following a ten-week consultation period.
