Sex and drugs education to be compulsory

In its response to both the Review of Sex and Relationships Education in Schools and a report by the Advisory Group on Drug and Alcohol Education, the government is to make personal, social and health education (PSHE) lessons a compulsory part of the curriculum for all five- to 16-year-olds.

Both of these reviews said PSHE lessons were vital for a healthy and well-rounded education.

Schools minister Jim Knight said: "This is a bold move and a necessary one. Modern life is increasingly complex and we have a duty to equip our young people with the knowledge and skills to deal with it. It's vital that this information doesn't come from playground rumour or the mixed messages from the media about sex."

A review, led by head teacher Sir Alasdair MacDonald, is to be launched to look at the finer details of making PSHE compulsory. This will look at issues such as school policies, parents' attitudes and timetabling of lessons. Updated guidance on PSHE will also be launched.

Relationships will be a key focus of sex education lessons. According to the UK Youth Parliament, four out of 10 young people have received no relationship education at school.