Ofsted

Guidance for inspectors on inspecting separation by sex in schools and the teaching of protected characteristics and relationships and sex education (RSE)

Protected characteristics and separation by sex on school inspections - GOV.UK

From:

Ofsted

Published   5 November 2025

Applies to England

Contents

1. Inspecting relationships and sex education and health education (RSHE) and teaching of protected characteristics
2. Separation by sex in mixed schools
3. Impact on inspection grades
4. Impact on leadership and governance grade
5. Independent school standards
6. During inspection: 5-step approach
7. After inspection
8. Annex A: supplementary script for inspectors

Ofsted works in the interests of children, parents and carers. Our mission is to raise standards and improve lives by identifying, championing and striving for the highest quality of education and care for all children and learners across England.

Inspectors consider schools’ compliance with the Equality Act 2010 (the Equality Act) obligations during inspection, as well as our own Equality Act duties. This guidance sets out some important areas where equalities must be considered.

Inspecting relationships and sex education and health education (RSHE) and teaching of protected characteristics

Relationships education is compulsory for all primary school pupils and relationships and sex education (RSE) is compulsory for all secondary school pupils.

In line with Ofsted’s duties under the Equality Act, inspectors must determine whether the school has had regard to the Department for Education’s (DfE) statutory guidance on relationships education, relationships and sex education and health education (RSHE), and is teaching pupils about the protected characteristics in an age-appropriate way.

This guidance sets out that pupils should leave school with a proper understanding of the importance of equality and respecting and understanding differences. Schools should take steps to ensure pupils receive a balanced presentation of opposing views and beliefs where political issues are brought to their attention.