Schools should tell parents if pupils question gender, government says

The government has issued guidance asking schools to inform parents if pupils raise questions about their gender, and it advises schools not to initiate social transition; the guidance is backed by Dr Hilary Cass, author of the 2024 Cass Review. Undetermined at this time.

The government has issued new guidance asking schools to tell parents if pupils raise questions about their gender. It aims to clarify schools' legal duties and to help staff support children and young people. The guidance was backed by Dr Hilary Cass, who led the 2024 Cass Review after a rise in referrals for young people questioning their gender. The review said evidence on medical interventions in gender care was "remarkably weak" and that research was limited. Key points: - The guidance asks schools to inform parents when pupils question their gender and to involve parents wherever possible. - Schools are advised not to begin steps towards social transition (including changes of name, pronoun, or clothing), and the guidance says full social transition in primary schools should be very rare; single-sex schools will continue to follow the existing admissions code on biological sex. - Dr Hilary Cass described the guidance as "a huge step in the right direction" and said it reflects recommendations from her review. - Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the guidance offers pragmatic support for teachers and reassurance for parents, and emphasises the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Summary: The guidance places emphasis on parental involvement and on distinguishing a pupil's wishes from considerations about their best interests. It advises schools not to initiate social transitions and reiterates concerns raised by the Cass Review about limited evidence on medical interventions. Undetermined at this time.