Schools can now decline to address pupils in chosen pronouns

Teachers and pupils will not be ‘compelled’ into using preferred pronouns and parents will be told if their child is ‘socially transitioning’, new government guidance has said.

The Department for Education said ‘parents should not be excluded’ from a school’s decision relating to children asking to change names, pronouns and clothing.

Schools and colleges in England have also been told there is ‘no general duty’ to allow children to change their gender identity.

The long-awaited draft guidance, which will be subject to a 12-week consultation, says teachers should still be able to refer to children collectively as ‘girls’ or ‘boys’.

It adds schools should provide separate toilets for boys and girls aged eight and above, and changing rooms and showers for boys and girls who are aged 11 years or over.

The guidance says: ‘All children should use the toilets, showers and changing facilities designated for their biological sex unless it will cause distress for them to do so.

‘In these instances, schools and colleges should seek to find alternative arrangements, while continuing to ensure spaces are single-sex.’

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: ‘This guidance puts the best interests of all children first, removing any confusion about the protections that must be in place for biological sex and single-sex spaces, and making clear that safety and safeguarding for all children must always be schools’ primary concern.

‘Parents’ views must also be at the heart of all decisions made about their children, and nowhere is that more important than with decisions that can have significant effects on a child’s life for years to come.’

Kemi Badenoch, minister for women and equalities, said: ‘This guidance is intended to give teachers and school leaders greater confidence when dealing with an issue that has been hijacked by activists misrepresenting the law.

‘It makes clear that schools do not have to accept a child’s request to socially transition, and that teachers or pupils should not be pressured into using different pronouns.’

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