Commenting on new research from UCL which concludes there is an 'urgent need” to improve the quality of sex and reproductive health education, Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Learning about sex and reproductive health is a vital part RSHE and it is essential that there are positive and trusting relationships between students and their teacher to create a safe environment to explore the subjects, openly discuss the issues, and maximise learning.

“Schools need to be given access to the tools which help them to deliver the high quality learning experience that their pupils deserve. This includes training to ensure teachers are  confident in talking about the issues including the physical and emotional impact that conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome can have.”