Your Guide to RSHE Updates

Expert advice and support for Primary and Secondary schools

The Department for Education has released updated RSHE statutory guidance (2025). These changes build on expectations first introduced in 2019 and reflect new evidence, research, and the realities of young people’s lives today.

The Department for Education has released updated RSHE statutory guidance (2025). These changes build on expectations first introduced in 2019 and reflect new evidence, research, and the realities of young people’s lives today.

For schools, this may feel daunting, but whether you are already using Jigsaw or are exploring new options, you don’t need to worry. Jigsaw PSHE is already meeting most of the expectations, and all updates will be ready by December 2025, well ahead of the September 2026 deadline.

Child holding a Jigsaw character and Jerry cat

Reassurance for Primary Schools

Primary schools want PSHE to build confidence, respect, and a sense of belonging, not cause concern. The 2025 RSHE guidance keeps sex education optional in primary but recommends delivery in Years 5 or 6. Jigsaw PSHE 3–11 already includes flexible options for Year 4–6 so schools can decide what works best for their community.

The Being Me in My World Puzzle sets the tone for the year by exploring self-identity, belonging, and classroom charters, giving children the skills to build relationships, understand their responsibilities, and feel safe.

With ready-to-teach lessons, assemblies, songs, and resources, Jigsaw helps staff deliver age-appropriate PSHE with confidence, while creating a whole-school ethos of kindness and inclusion.

Watch a recording of the webinar we held in September 25 where our team of Programme experts discussed the Primary RSHE changes and what it means for your school.

Watch the Primary Webinar

Support for Secondary Schools

The new RSHE guidance introduces additional focus on complex, sensitive issues such as consent, misogyny, AI, online harm, and inclusion. We know many teachers feel underprepared for these conversations.

Jigsaw PSHE 11–16 is designed to give staff structure and confidence. Lessons are fully planned, evidence-based, and supported by new pupil-led and expert videos that spark discussion without putting pressure on teachers to have all the answers.

With clear progression across Key Stages 3 and 4, Jigsaw equips young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate modern challenges with maturity and respect.

Watch the Secondary Webinar

Catch up on RSHE webinars

In September 25, our Jigsaw programme experts hosted a series of live webinars to walk schools through the new guidance. These sessions explain what’s changed, what schools need to do, and how Jigsaw ensures you stay compliant.

Why schools trust Jigsaw

Compliance covered

All updates complete by December 2025.

Teacher confidence

Fully resourced lessons, CPD, and expert support.

Whole-school impact

Songs, assemblies, and celebrations strengthen school ethos.

Evidence-based

Grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and global research.

Inclusive

Reflects diverse families, cultures, and identities.

Trusted globally

6,500+ schools, 65+ countries.

Compliance covered

All updates complete by December 2025.

Teacher confidence

Fully resourced lessons, CPD, and expert support.

Whole-school impact

Songs, assemblies, and celebrations strengthen school ethos.

Evidence-based

Grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and global research.

Inclusive

Reflects diverse families, cultures, and identities.

Trusted globally

6,500+ schools, 65+ countries.

Your RSHE questions answered

We have gathered the most common questions schools are asking, and our answers.

Full RSHE FAQs

Yes. The current Jigsaw programme remains fully compliant during the transition period. You do not need to change your planning or remove any content this year. Our updates will be ready by December 2025 and shared in plenty of time for schools to review before the September 2026 deadline.

September 2026. Until then, you should continue using your current approved programme. December 2025 is the point to start reviewing updated Jigsaw materials and planning any policy changes.

These areas are more prominent in the new guidance. Jigsaw’s updated lessons will cover them in a structured, age-appropriate way, with new video resources and built-in teacher guidance to support confidence.

Yes. Schools will have time across the 2025/26 academic year to review and adapt updated materials before implementing changes in September 2026.

We will provide updated policy templates and parent communication materials, alongside DfE resources, so you can engage parents and carers clearly and positively.

The new guidance reinforces the need for inclusive education. Jigsaw lessons already reflect diverse families and identities, and updates will ensure alignment with expectations across both primary and secondary.

A whole-school, spiral PSHE curriculum from Early Years to Year 6. Builds emotional literacy, resilience, and life skills while embedding mindfulness throughout. Fully resourced with lessons, slides, songs, and assemblies to create a consistent, inclusive, and supportive school culture where every child can thrive.

Explore PSHE 3-11

A flexible, comprehensive programme supporting teenagers in building confidence, respect and self-awareness in secondary school and life beyond. This programme covers all statutory PSHE content, as well as having editable, fully-resourced lessons for different delivery modules (timetabled, tutor time, and drop-down days). There's also brand-new and exciting video content featuring real young voices and expert guidance!

Explore PSHE 11-16

A group of older pupils standing outside, wellbeing in schools.

Our Religious Education programme encourages children to explore big questions and have a deeper understanding of different world views. There are over 80 enquiry-based units with full planning, covering major world religions and non-religious world views. Not only does the programme include our Jigsaw Owls classroom companions to support reflective learning, but it supports SMSC, British Values, and locally agreed syllabi.

Explore RE 3-11

Designed to extend PSHE learning into the home, our Families programme offers support to parents and carers in helping to build emotional literacy and strengthen connections with their children. The programme bridges the gap between school and home, facilitating small-group sessions at school, and supporting stronger family relationships and pupil wellbeing. It's available exclusively to schools using Jigsaw PSHE 3-11.

Explore Families

Bringing PSHE learning to life in a natural setting, Outdoors is a unique programme that allows children to connect, explore and build vital skills outside the classroom. With fully planned outdoor session guides, it helps improve resilience, supports teamwork, and increases emotional wellbeing. Outdoors complements Jigsaw PSHE 3-11 for a whole-school approach, and is flexible for a wide range of school contexts.

Explore Outdoors