What Young People Want From RSHE

How Loudmouth Education & Training Can Help Schools Respond to the 2025 RSE Poll Findings

The SEF Young People’s RSE Poll 2025 offers a clear message: young people want reliable, relatable, non-judgemental, skilled teaching on relationships and sex, delivered in ways that feel safe, relevant and honest. They value trusted adults, interactive learning, and real-life examples. But the poll also highlights stubborn gaps in coverage, a slowdown in progress, and young people’s desire for better quality RSE up to age 18. At Loudmouth Education & Training, these findings echo what we hear daily in classrooms across the country. The good news is that the challenges schools are facing are the very areas where Loudmouth’s programmes excel. Below is some of the poll’s key messages and how our approach helps meet them.

1. Young people want RSE that feels safe, non-judgemental and relevant The poll shows that the top qualities young people want from RSE teachers are:

• Not being judged

• Adults who are comfortable with the topics

• Honest, accurate information

• Safe spaces for discussion

How Loudmouth helps:

Our specialist actor facilitators are trained to create emotionally safe, stigma-free learning environments. Through trauma informed drama, character storytelling and facilitated discussion, we model the non-judgemental, open approach young people say they value most. We show students realistic, relatable scenarios rather than abstract lectures, helping them explore tough issues in a safe and supported way.

2. There are major gaps in topic coverage, and our programmes fill them

The poll reveals that many students learnt little or nothing about crucial topics such as:

• Pornography (53% learnt nothing or not enough)

• Sexual pleasure and consent nuance

• Manipulation, coercion and unhealthy relationships

• Deepfakes and online harms

• Accessing sexual health services

How Loudmouth helps:

Our programmes directly address the areas students say they’re missing.

We cover:

• Coercion, grooming, manipulation & power

• Pornography

• Media literacy

• Consent

• Digital risks

• Accessing services and seeking help

We continuously update our scripts and resources to reflect new guidance, so schools benefit from content aligned with the latest expectations.

3. Students need RSE that continues past age 16

Young people expressed strong support for RSE in further education, prioritising:

• Domestic abuse

• Sexual assault and where to get help

• Healthy relationships and spotting signs of harm

• Manipulation and control

• Pregnancy options

How Loudmouth helps:

We offer performance and workshops for sixth forms, FE colleges and apprenticeships, to allow 16–18-year-olds navigate adult relationships. Loudmouth’s programmes explore the emotional, practical and legal realities of intimate relationships at this life stage.

4. Students want interactive, engaging lessons not lectures

Only 37% of young people said their RSE was enjoyable, and only 50% felt it was interactive.

How Loudmouth helps:

Interactivity is at the heart of what we do. Our programmes use:

• Live drama

• Real-world scenarios

• Character Q&A

• Discussion-based exploration

• Problem-solving activities

This style of learning is consistently praised by students as engaging, memorable and more relevant than traditional delivery.

5. Teachers want support, not more pressure

The poll shows that students notice when teachers feel awkward, rushed or under-trained. Skilful delivery scored only 52%.

How Loudmouth helps:

We don’t replace teachers, we equip them. Every session includes: • CPD-style guidance • Teacher resources • Follow-up lesson plans • Conversation prompts We help schools build confidence and capacity, supporting staff to meet the new RSHE guidance with clarity and ease.

6. Parents are essential, but often embarrassed or unsure

Parents were ranked the most embarrassing source of information, yet young people still want open, non-judgemental conversations at home.

How Loudmouth helps:

We offer parent workshops and resources that help families navigate tricky conversations with confidence. We create space for parents to learn, ask questions and understand current issues so they can better support their children.

7. Young people want to be asked their views

40% said schools did ask for feedback, but many described wanting more say in shaping lessons.

How Loudmouth helps:

Our facilitators integrate student voice throughout sessions, inviting young people to ask questions, direct scenario outcomes and openly influence the learning environment. Students feel heard, because they are.

8. Schools need RSE that reflects modern risks—especially online

Young people identified the online world as one of their biggest sources of information, for better or worse.

How Loudmouth helps:

Our digital wellbeing and online safety content includes:

• Mis and disinformation

• Sextortion

• Image-sharing and nudes

• Online grooming

• Pornography and unrealistic expectations

• Social media pressure

Conclusion: Loudmouth Helps Turn RSE Guidance into Real Impact

The 2025 poll shows a clear direction: Young people want better RSE, delivered by skilled, confident professionals, in ways that feel real, engaging and judgement free. They want honest conversations, relevant content, and adults they can trust. This is exactly what Loudmouth Education & Training has specialised in for over 30 years.

We’re here to help schools:

✔ Deliver high-quality, evidence-based RSE

✔ Address difficult topics with professionalism and sensitivity

✔ Meet the new RSHE guidance confidently

✔ Engage students through drama, discussion and lived experience

✔ Reassure and engage parents with RSHE

✔ Support sixth forms and FE settings with tailored content

If your school, trust or college wants to strengthen its RSE offer in line with the findings of the 2025 poll, Loudmouth is ready to support you. Contact us on 0121 446 4880 or email enquiry@loudmouth.co.uk