Science lessons are set to teach about sexually transmitted infections – including HIV – from 2016, following revised draft guidelines from the Department for Education.

The teaching of STIs had been added to the national curriculum – which must be followed by all state schools, other than academies and free schools – but then removed again. However, following a campaign from individuals and charities including the Sex Education Forum – hosted by children’s charity the National Children’s Bureau – the teaching of STIs must again take place.

This will help make it clear to schools that every pupil must leave secondary school equipped with knowledge about STIs and specifically about HIV and AIDS.

Nevertheless, the Sex Education Forum has warned that learning about STIs must not be left to the final years of secondary school, and will only be effective if it builds on earlier learning about how our bodies work, and crucially about relationships.

The Chair of the Sex Education Forum, Jane Lees said: ‘The curriculum proposed earlier this year had no reference to sexual health, HIV or AIDS. It is very encouraging that calls have been heeded and the Department for Education has made this important change. Our survey with young people showed that 1 in 4 had not learnt anything about this topic at school. There is an urgent need to remedy this situation and this move by the Department for Education will help.

‘Having sex and relationships education (SRE) in every year of school helps children build up the understanding needed for good sexual health, and ensures that children learn about stigma and challenging prejudice, as well as the biological aspects of the transmission, prevention and treatment of STIs including HIV.’