Why We Need to Extend RSE to 16-18 year Olds

And how you can help!

Mar 17, 2025

Let’s talk about something important: Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) for young people aged 16-18.

We know that since RSE became mandatory in schools, young people are learning more about healthy relationships, consent, and staying safe. But here’s the problem: once they leave secondary school, there’s no guarantee they’ll receive any more RSE.

Think about it. At 16, many young people are entering relationships, navigating social pressures, and facing decisions about their bodies and wellbeing. Surely, this is the time they need reliable, age-appropriate education the most? Yet, further education settings—colleges, sixth forms, apprenticeships—aren’t required to provide RSE. That’s a huge gap, and it needs to be closed.

I’ve delivered so many sessions to this age group, both in and out of education settings, and while it’s great to have those deeper, more open conversations with the young people who do have access to some RSE, the gap is obvious. Too many are missing out on essential knowledge that could help keep them safe, informed, and confident in their relationships. Making RSE a requirement in 16-18 provision will provide a vital layer of input and a safety net for our most vulnerable young people.

The Push for Change

Again it is key organisations in the UK that have collected evidence and are fighting for this change. Make It Mandatory, Brook, Sex Education Forum and the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) are calling for RSE to be extended and now, MP Zarah Sultana has taken this fight to Parliament.

She’s tabled an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which—if successful—would make RSE a requirement in further education settings. That means young people aged 16-18 would finally get the essential education they need to navigate relationships, understand coercive control, protect their sexual health, and stay safe online.

How You Can Help

The amendment will be discussed in Parliament this week, and it needs as much public support as possible to make this happen. The Make It Mandatory petition is now close to 100,000 signatures, and your support could help push it over the line.

So, if you believe young people deserve proper education on relationships, safety, and wellbeing throughout their teenage years, here’s what you can do:

✅ Sign the petition: It only takes a few seconds!

✅ Share this: The more people who know about this, the better.

✅ Talk about it: Whether it’s with friends, at work, or on social media—help spread the word!

Young people deserve reliable, protective information at this crucial stage of their lives.