What is PSHE? A Complete Guide for Primary Schools

PSHE is a fascinating topic with the power to help children stay safe, healthy, confident and get ready for success now and into the future. It is a relatively new curriculum requirement so it can be confusing, with teachers often feeling unsure what they can and cannot teach under the banner of PSHE. We’re here to help, with our complete guide to PSHE in primary schools.

What does PSHE stand for?

PSHE stands for Personal, Social, Health and Economic education. This means it teachers children about a vast array of vital topics, from water safety to emotional wellbeing, friendships to online safety. When it is taught and implemented well PSHE education can have a significant impact on children’s lives, giving them the skills and knowledge to overcome challenges and feel confident.

Are schools required to teach PSHE?

Yes, schools in England are required to teach the statutory elements of the PSHE curriculum to all children in their settings. This became a requirement in September 2020 and was updated in 2026. There are additional non-statutory elements of the curriculum which are not required but are recommended.

You can read more about PSHE on the Gov.uk website here Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education

What is the difference between PSHE and RSHE?

The terms PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Economic) and RSHE (Relationships, Sex, Health Education) are often used interchangeably. However, there is a distinction. RSHE refers specifically to the statutory content in the primary curriculum.

How is PSHE taught in primary schools?

It is at the discretion of each school to choose how how they teach PSHE as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. Often, it is taught on a weekly basis by a trained teacher in all classes from Reception to Year 6. Some schools use an outside provider to support with curriculum design and/or delivery, such as The Story Project.

Schools usually progress through the objectives in a way that is age and developmentally appropriate, taking in to account what children need to know as they grow older. Some schools also supplement important topics from the PSHE with additional assemblies or focus days. For example, many schools celebrate ‘Safer Internet Day’.

For RSHE, schools must have a policy in place. This should include details of the content of the curriculum, who will deliver the content, parents’ right to withdraw and more.

What is the impact of PSHE?

Evidence shows that effective PSHE can improve the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of pupils. As the Department for Education (2015) review of evidence states ‘A virtuous cycle can be achieved, whereby pupils with better health and well-being
can achieve better academically, which in turn leads to greater success’. More information can be found here DfE Review of Evidence: PSHE

You can read more about how PSHE impacts children in our blog Why Is PSHE important in schools today?

What parts of the curriculum are parents/carers allowed to withdraw their children from?

Sex education is not compulsory at primary level. If a school chooses to teach this topic, parents have the right to withdraw their children from this learning. More information can be found here DfE: Relationships and Sex Education

What changed in the PSHE curriculum in 2026?

In 2025, the DfE announced that new and updated requirements would become statutory in September 2026. This included some new topics such as bereavement and some updated guidance, e.g. more comprehensive online safety. You can read more about it in our blog The New 2026 Curriculum

How does The Story Project support PSHE?

The Story Project is a social enterprise that uses the magic of stories to teach the PSHE curriculum. This means schools can teach all the statutory and non-statutory curriculum content using high-quality children’s books, resulting in fun, engaging and impactful lessons.

We also write about our books can support PSHE on our blog. Here are some of our favourites:

5 Inspiring KS1 Assembly Books to Support the September Back-to-School Transition

How to Use ‘Feelings’ by Libby Walden as a World Mental Health Day classroom resource

Building Empathy Through Books: Talking to Children About Far-Right Protests in the UK

Our Recommended Books for Teaching Relationships, Sex and Health Education at Primary