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How Ofsted will assess RSE

Relationships and sex education (RSE) won't be inspected on its own – instead, Ofsted will look at how your school is meeting statutory requirements for RSE, and consider this within the ‘personal development and wellbeing’ and ‘curriculum and teaching’ evaluation areas.

Last reviewed on 17 December 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 45930
Contents
  1. RSE covered in ‘curriculum and teaching’ and ‘personal development and wellbeing’
  2. How your school will be graded
  3. What 'expected standard' looks like
  4. What 'strong standard' looks like
  5. Your school's teaching of the protected characteristics can impact the leadership and governance grade

RSE covered in ‘curriculum and teaching’ and ‘personal development and wellbeing’

Ofsted mainly looks at relationships and sex education (RSE) in 2 evaluation areas:

There are also some links with other evaluation areas (safeguarding, attendance and behaviour, leadership and governance). Find information about links to leadership and governance at the end of this article.

RSE within 'curriculum and teaching'

As a governing board, you won't be inspected under Ofsted's 'curriculum and teaching' evaluation area. Therefore, you don't need to know this information in great detail, but understanding the basics can help you monitor your school's approach. Find out how governance is inspected.

Designs a high-quality, ambitious curriculum for all pupils (particularly disadvantaged pupils, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), those known to children’s social care, and those who may face other barriers to their