Research by the organisation finds that one third of students cannot access free products, two years on from the launch of the scheme, which applies to all state schools in England.
The scheme which provides period products for 11- to 18-year-olds, was launched in 2020, following campaigns from youth activists such as Amika George, who founded FreePeriods at age 17, and various youth groups.
The scheme has recently been extended until the end of the 2023/24 academic year, and all eligible schools and colleges can place orders through the supplier, PHS.
Similar schemes had previously been introduced in Scotland and Wales, with a pilot scheme currently underway in Northern Ireland.
However, Girlguiding’s research revealed that many students who menstruate are still having trouble accessing period products through the English scheme.
The research finds that while one in 10 students cannot afford to buy period products − which could result in students missing out on education, and create social embarrassment amongst their peers – 46 per cent of respondents have not accessed the scheme.
Some 32 per cent of respondents cited lack of availability at their school or college as their reason for this.
Since its launch, according to the DfE, 94 per cent of secondary schools and 90 per cent of post-16 organisations have completed at least one order through the scheme. However, Girlguiding has cited the lack of communication between teachers and pupils as a possible explanation for the low student uptake.
Whilst the DfE does provide guidance for educators on how to discuss and promote the scheme – advising on language, and the requirement to place products in spaces where all learners can access them – Girlguiding found that more than half of respondents felt too uncomfortable to ask for period products in school.
Girlguiding also emphasised the importance of consulting young people on what type of products they need, after eight out of 10 respondents to their surveys said they have not been asked which period products would be preferable.
In response to its findings, Girlguiding has raised concerns over the affordability of such products amid the cost-of-living crisis, and has called for greater awareness of the free period products scheme in schools.
The organisation is also urging ministers to conduct a full evaluation of the scheme and for it to be made permanent.
It has also called for the introduction of a requirement for schools and colleges to consult students about which products to provide, and for the government to issue more guidance on how to do so.
Caitlyn, 22, a Girlguiding advocate, said: “As the cost of living crisis continues to affect us all, we’re calling on the DfE to continue to work to raise awareness of the scheme, ensure students are consulted on the period products they want and make sure that every young person who needs them can access free period products at school or college.”
