Whether you’re puzzling over two print-outs, side by side, highlighter in hand, thinking – is this just a tweak-job, or you’ve already decided you’re going the whole hog and starting from scratch, the new 2026 RSHE Guidance is certainly giving us all a lot to think about. The upshot is, the updated 2026 RSHE guidance builds on the existing 2020 curriculum rather than replacing it entirely. Schools are still expected to cover the same core areas of relationships, sex and health education, but now, as you’ve probably already noticed, there is now a stronger emphasis on safeguarding, real-world risks and how content is delivered in practice.

One of the most noticeable changes is the increased focus on the online world. While online safety was already included in the 2020 curriculum, the 2026 guidance places much greater emphasis on the influence of social media, exposure to harmful content and the way online spaces can shape attitudes and behaviour. Schools are expected to address issues such as unrealistic expectations, harmful online communities and the impact of digital interactions more explicitly. There is also a stronger safeguarding focus throughout the updated guidance. Topics such as sexual harassment, coercion, exploitation and personal safety are more clearly defined, with an expectation that students are taught how to recognise risk and respond appropriately. This reflects wider concerns about student safety both online and offline, and places greater responsibility on schools to deliver preventative education (whether you truly believe it’s the schools’ responsibility to take even more action, or whether you don’t).

Health education has also been expanded, particularly in relation to female health. The 2026 guidance includes clearer expectations around menstrual health, reproductive health conditions and awareness of issues such as menopause. This represents a shift towards more detailed and practical health knowledge, rather than a purely general overview.

Mental health is another area where expectations have been strengthened. The updated guidance encourages schools to help students distinguish between everyday emotional experiences and more serious mental health concerns, as well as to understand when and how to seek support. In secondary education, there is also more openness around discussing serious topics in a structured and age-appropriate way.

Another key difference you might have noticed is the introduction of clearer guiding principles for delivery. Schools are encouraged to take a more responsive approach, considering the needs of their students, involving pupil voice and maintaining transparency with parents – perhaps you’ve already had a few ask to see your curriculum – this is becoming a much more common request. This moves the curriculum slightly away from a fixed model and towards a more adaptable, context-driven approach.

Overall, the difference can be understood as a shift from content coverage to delivery and context. The 2020 curriculum established what schools should teach, while the 2026 guidance places greater emphasis on how it should be taught, why it matters and how it connects to the realities students face today.

For schools looking to ensure full coverage of both the original curriculum and the updated guidance, look no further. At EC Publishing we’ve got Primary and Secondary covered – all editable materials to suit the new approach, and at a price your school can afford. Check out our Complete School Packages here.