Relationships and sexual health

Information, guidance, and teaching resources about relationships and sexual health in schools.

These resources may help if you're completing one of the Bristol Healthy Schools Awards.

Overview of relationships and sexual health

Good sexual and reproductive health matters to individuals and communities, whose needs will vary according to a range of physical, emotional, social, cultural and economic factors. There are certain needs common to all, including the availability of high-quality information and education to make informed decisions, freedom from stigma and discrimination, access to high quality prevention, testing, diagnostic and treatment services and interventions.

Relationships education is now compulsory for all pupils receiving primary and secondary education. Read the guidance from the Department of Education (PDF, 622 KB).

Children and young people need good quality RSE in schools in order to:

  • stay safe
  • understand how their bodies work, including understanding puberty
  • take responsibility for their sexual health
  • form healthy and fulfilled relationships later in life

All young people should:

  • be able to get confidential advice and support about relationships and sexual health
  • feel comfortable asking for help

The positive impact of Relationships and Sex Education

According to the Sex Education Forum, national and international research shows that good quality RSE protects young people.

Young people who have good RSE and easy access to services are more likely to:

  • choose to have sex for the first time when they're older
  • use contraception to protect themselves from STIs and unplanned pregnancies

RSE aims to raise awareness of the law, reduce harmful and abusive behaviours and teach about consent.

Sexual health services for young people

It's important that teachers and support staff can tell young people where and how to access confidential sexual health services such as:

  • on site sexual health services offered by school nurses 
  • Yuno, the integrated sexual health service for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Their website has information has expert advice about, contraception, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing and treatment, as well as in person services
  • young people's clinics offered by Yuno at Brook
  • advice and services from their GP practice and at pharmacies

For a full range of services, visit our Sexual and reproductive health services information page.

Relationships and sex education resources and information