New Sex GCSE for Teenage Students

Teen students will be able to gain the equivalent of a D grade under a new course designed to raise awareness of issues surrounding contraception, relationship and sexual health.

The qualification is being trialled in nine schools and colleges with plans to roll out the government-funded scheme nationally next year.

The move has angered parent and families’ groups who are concerned the qualification makes no reference to marriage and legitimises sexual promiscuity.

However, Suzanne Cant, research manager at the qualifications provider NCFE, which is running the course, said: ‘Sexual health education should play a part in the curriculum for all young people.

‘The latest figures show teenage pregnancy rates are falling, but not falling at a fast enough rate to meet Government targets.

‘Meanwhile, annual diagnoses for sexually-transmitted diseases are already in the hundreds of thousands – and increasing all the time.

‘Part of the way to tackle these issues is through education and [the] qualification offers a formal way to assess and certificate learners to help ensure the right messages are being delivered and understood.’