Beyond Gender Stereotypes

A NEW CURRICULUM FOR KEY STAGE 2 CHILDREN

We have developed a new, evidence-based, free curriculum called Beyond Gender Stereotypes (BGS), to help all Key Stage 2 children understand and break free from gender stereotypes. 

We are offering 40 primary schools in England the chance to deliver BGS in either Autumn Term 2025 or Spring Term 2026, in advance of a full national roll-out from Autumn Term 2026. If your school is interested, please fill in this Expression of Interest, or simply complete the full application form.   

We will select schools on a rolling basis, so please apply ASAP to ensure your school is considered. More information about BGS is available here. 

Get Involved

The next phase of recruitment will start in February 2025, as we begin the process of implementing our programme to a wider school audience.

This curriculum is grounded in community and school-based research. It will be delivered in 40 primary schools across England during the academic year 2025-26. It will offer a scalable, safe, engaging and age-appropriate learning experience across Years 3 to 6.

Teachers will have access to a self-guided online learning course, and associated guidance, to equip them to implement the Beyond Gender Stereotypes curriculum effectively. We are also developing guidance for schools to use with parents and carers, to build support for the curriculum and engage them to promote its objectives.

Why is BGS Important?

Gender stereotypes are internalised early in childhood. They limit children’s ability to achieve their full potential, and affect their self-esteem, confidence and mental health. They can also lead to bullying and exclusion, and perpetuate gender inequality.  

How will BGS help?

BGS supports all KS2 children to recognise and break free from gender stereotypes, so that they can: 

  • develop healthy relationships and ways of expressing emotions 
  • follow any interests and hobbies they want to 
  • understand that they can pursue any job or career they choose (UKS2) 
  • thrive in the world in which they live 

“[BGS] tied in so well with our work on careers-based learning. The idea that the world of opportunity is open to all pupils.” (KS2 Teacher)

“Our school vision.…is we want children to know who they are, respect others for who they are, and to never stop learning. [It] isn’t just about English and Maths……I think this project aligns with that part of our school vision.” (KS2 Teacher)

What does BGS offer?

This free programme supports English primary schools’ statutory duty to teach Relationships and Health Education, and offers: 

  • A 2.5 hour self-guided online course for KS2 teachers and senior leaders 
  • A shorter introductory self-guided online course for other school staff 
  • 3 Lower KS2 and 4 Upper KS2 1-hour lesson plans  
  • Engaging PowerPoint slides and downloadable classroom resources  
  • Comprehensive Teacher Guidance 
  • Resources to help schools engage parents/carers with the programme 
  • A safe, effective and age-appropriate learning experience 

“The teacher training makes us reflect on our own practice….It just reminds you to stop and think, what am I doing?” (BGS Lead)

How Effective is BGS?

BGS is grounded in community and school-based research, and was rigorously piloted in 5 English primary schools in 2024. The findings have been overwhelmingly positive.   

The online training was highly rated, nearly all teachers said the lessons met their objectives, and the vast majority of the children found the activities very relatable, and developed a clear understanding about gender stereotypes and their impact. Many teachers reported that children’s behaviour and attitudes shifted after the lessons, including who they played with and what activities they engaged in.

Findings from the pilot have been used to further enhance the BGS curriculum. 

“The ‘script’ for the scenarios was excellent – the children really engaged and I believe that modelling it so clearly for each other will give them support in actual situations they come across.” (LKS2 teacher)   

“One boy (Yr 5) at the end of the final lesson….said that he hadn’t realised how important the conversations were and he was glad that he had taken part.” (UKS2 teacher) 

Get Involved Now

Global Boyhood Initiative

This curriculum is part of the Global Boyhood Initiative (GBI), which is coordinated by Equimundo and promotes healthy boyhood from an early age. GBI works around the world with all children and the adults in their lives– so they can reflect on how gender affects them and support each other in creating positive change. For more information, visit www.boyhoodinitiative.org.