Sex education to be compulsory in schools

The move follows the end of Alasdair Macdonald's review into PSHE, which is calling for the subject to be part of the national curriculum for both primary and secondary schools.

In his response to the review children, schools and families secretary Ed Balls backed the recommendation as long as governing bodies can tailor lessons to local need and parents retain the right to exclude children from sex and relationship aspects.

Balls also backed the review's recommendation that PSHE should not be subject to compulsory exams. But he added: "The DCSF should work with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to find appropriate and innovative ways of assessing pupil progress in PSHE education."

The Association of Schools and College Leaders general secretary John Dunford has branded the changes to PSHE as unnecessary.

"The existing programmes of study in PSHE are fit for purpose and it is difficult to see why the government wants to turn this into a statutory requirement," he said.

Dunford was also concerned that Balls had not ruled out PSHE exams altogether.