Sex education in KS2 helps pupils learn about the ways in which their bodies may change as they get older, and how people form and develop relationships throughout their lives.
Relationships education is mandatory for all primary schools. However, there is no requirement for primary schools to teach sex education. Many schools start to discuss basic information about puberty and body changes when children enter upper KS2 so that they can feel informed and prepared for the transition into adolescence.
This guide explains how many schools deliver sex education in the classroom, what topics are explored, and how these lessons relate to other areas of PSHE.
Sex education in KS2 often refers to teaching that develops across the key stage, with more direct teaching about puberty and reproduction usually coming in upper KS2. Typically, schools introduce these topics when children begin to approach puberty.
The Department for Education made relationships education statutory for all primary schools in England in 2020. The details can be found in the statutory RSHE guidance from the Department for Education.
Sex education itself is not compulsory in primary schools, but schools can choose to teach it as part of their PSHE or RSE curriculum. Parents can also withdraw their child from sex education lessons if they wish, provided this is in line with the guidance issued by the DfE.
For this reason, many schools teach sex education carefully as part of a broader educational approach focused on wellbeing, relationships and health education. This allows pupils to build on prior learning step by step while keeping lesson content suitable for their age and level of maturity.
KS2 is an important stage in a child’s development. As children move through the primary years, they begin to notice physical changes, emotional changes and changes within their social relationships. Puberty education becomes particularly relevant during this stage, as the NHS explains in its
guide to the stages of puberty that puberty can begin at different times for different children.
As a result, many schools introduce basic information about body changes and puberty to help children understand what may happen as they grow. These lessons often cover physical development, emotional development and personal safety. In many schools, this learning sits within the wider PSHE curriculum. If you would like to know more about what a typical PSHE lesson looks like, please read our guide to
what is a PSHE lesson.
Sex education is not commonly taught as a separate subject in primary schools. It is more often included within a wider curriculum based around relationships, health and wellbeing.
Most PSHE programmes also follow a structured progression model. Early teaching typically focuses on friendship, kindness and respect. Later lessons begin to explore personal boundaries and body awareness. Lessons focused more directly on puberty and, in some schools, basic human reproduction are usually found in upper KS2.
This gradual progression helps pupils build knowledge and confidence over time. In addition to the guidance provided by the government, many schools also use nationally recognised frameworks such as the
PSHE Association’s guidance on RSHE to support curriculum planning.
Sex education in Key Stage 2 usually has two main areas of focus: understanding body changes and preparing for adolescence.
Puberty is one of the most commonly discussed topics. Children may receive information about body changes, hygiene and emotional development. The NSPCC provides helpful guidance on
navigating puberty for children and families, which shows why these discussions are so important.
Personal boundaries, respect and consent are also important aspects of sex education in primary schools. At this stage, this is usually introduced through recognising personal space, recognising discomfort and knowing when to seek help. The NSPCC also provides further support on healthy sexual behaviour in children and young people.
Some schools may also teach the basic principles of reproduction in a simple and scientifically accurate way. This links to the
National Curriculum for science, particularly in Year 6.
Typically, sex education develops gradually over the course of the Key Stage 2 years.
Lower KS2 tends to focus more on friendships, respect, personal boundaries and growing up. These early lessons help lay the foundations for later learning.
More information can be found in our guide to sex education in Year 3 and Year 4. Year 5 often introduces more detailed learning around puberty, body changes and hygiene.
Additional information can be found in our guide to sex education in Year 5. Year 6 is where many schools build further on previous learning with a clearer explanation of puberty and reproduction before the move to secondary school. A similar overview can be found in our article on sex education in Year 6.Sex education can feel sensitive for some parents and carers, which is why clear communication is so important. Schools should explain what will be taught, why it is being taught, and how lessons are tailored to the age and needs of the children.
Useful guidance can be found through the Sex Education Forum, which supports schools in building open and honest communication with families.Sex education in KS2 is often most effective when it is integrated into a broader wellbeing focused curriculum. PSHE provides a structure that enables schools to teach relationships, emotional wellbeing and personal safety alongside physical development. This gives pupils a more rounded understanding of growing up and helps build confidence and respect around the topic. For an example of how this fits into the wider KS2 curriculum, please read our guide to the
PSHE curriculum in KS2.
