School Leaders Urge ‘Sensitive’ Guidance After Gender Ruling

The Government is being urged to issue clear, sensitive guidance for schools in response to the Supreme Court's recent ruling on the legal definition of a woman, according to a school leaders’ union.

During the NAHT’s annual conference, delegates emphasized the need for schools to remain “safe, inclusive spaces” for students, staff, and families. This follows last month’s Supreme Court decision that clarified the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 as referring to biological women and biological sex. The ruling allows transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) to be excluded from single-sex spaces if deemed proportionate.

School leaders expressed concern about the ambiguity of the ruling and how it affects school environments. They called on the NAHT executive to urgently contact the Education Secretary for clear, non-divisive guidance to help schools navigate the legal changes.

An emergency motion passed at the conference in Harrogate called for the Government to provide supportive guidance that upholds dignity, safety, and inclusion. Birmingham delegate Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson, who proposed the motion, said the court's decision has already caused confusion and distress among school leaders, leaving them with difficult decisions.

She added that schools are being left to figure out legal interpretations on their own, putting both staff and pupils at risk. Sunderland delegate Debra Walker echoed these concerns, warning that the full implications of the ruling remain unclear and that school leaders feel unprepared.

The motion also pledged NAHT support for the TUC’s Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network and encouraged member participation.

Separately, the NASUWT teaching union recently committed to resisting any hasty policy changes in schools following the ruling.

Meanwhile, the Government has stated it won’t rush the release of updated guidance for schools regarding gender-questioning students. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the importance of delivering accurate and thoughtful information. Draft guidance, originally released under the Conservative government in December 2023, has remained in limbo pending further review.