The guidance instructs schools to consult parents and take clinical advice into account before allowing children to socially transition, including changes to names, pronouns, and uniform. Primary schools are advised to exercise particular caution, as early transitions can have significant, lasting effects. The rules state that full social transition should be agreed “very rarely.”
This represents a shift from previous guidance under the 2023 Tory government, which included a ban on the use of different pronouns for primary-aged children. Schools are now advised not to “initiate any action” to suggest gender changes, but children may request a change if it is in their “best interests.”
Children will still be restricted from using toilets, changing rooms, and single-sex PE classes corresponding to the opposite biological sex. A government source said schools failing to follow the guidance could fail safeguarding checks by Ofsted.
Support and Safeguarding
The guidance, which links gender-change requests to safeguarding for the first time, has been endorsed by Baroness Cass, author of a landmark 2024 report on child gender services. Labour sources stressed the guidance is evidence-based and practical.
While headteachers in secondary schools will have more discretion, parents must be involved unless seeking their views presents a safeguarding risk, such as in cases of abuse. Children under 11 should only socially transition in “exceptionally rare” circumstances. Children over eight may not use opposite-sex toilets, and those over 11 may not access opposite-sex changing rooms. Mixed-sex sleeping arrangements on residential trips are also prohibited.
In sports, pupils can be separated by biological sex when differences in physical strength or stamina would create an unfair advantage. Schools must accurately record a child’s birth sex in all records.
Response and Criticism
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticised the guidance, arguing it weakens parental authority and allows children as young as four to be referred to in ways that do not reflect their biological sex.
Campaigner Maya Forstater described early social transitions as a “dangerous fairytale” and warned that schools may facilitate transitions without a clear framework.
Phillipson said the new guidance provides clarity for teachers and reassurance for parents, emphasising that child protection is non-negotiable. A government source stated the guidance removes political disputes from the welfare of vulnerable children and ensures schools prioritise wellbeing.
The rules are expected to take effect in September, following a ten-week consultation period.
