Beyond Gender Stereotypes
As part of our Lifting Limits programme, we’ve developed a pioneering, evidence-based, free curriculum, Beyond Gender Stereotypes (BGS). This is part of the Global Boyhood Initiative coordinated by Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice, who we are proud to be partnered with. BGS supports Key Stage 2 children (ages 7-11) to understand and break free from gender stereotypes.
A new curriculum
An exciting opportunity
Do you want to help Key Stage 2 children fulfil their individual potential and develop healthy relationships?
In addition to the 25 schools already signed up, Lifting Limits are offering 20 more primary schools in England the chance to deliver the new curriculum, Beyond Gender Stereotypes (BGS), in Spring Term 2026, in advance of a full national roll-out from Autumn Term 2026.
This free programme supports English primary schools’ statutory duty to teach Relationships and Health Education, and offers:
What's offered
- A 2.5 hour self-guided online course for KS2 teachers and senior leaders
- A shorter introductory self-guided online course for other school staff
- 3 Lower KS2 and 4 Upper KS2 1-hour lesson plans
- Engaging PowerPoint slides and downloadable classroom resources
- Comprehensive Teacher Guidance, including guidance on leading effective discussions in class
- Resources to help schools engage parents/carers with the programme
- A safe, effective and age-appropriate learning experience
If your school is interested, please fill in this Expression of Interest, or simply complete the full application form. You can also contact us at BGS@childrenssociety.org.uk. Schools will be selected on a rolling basis, so please apply ASAP to ensure your school is considered. More information about BGS is available here.
We're raising children's aspirations,.....what they might go on to next in their life. That's what we're doing when we're thinking about gender stereotypes.
(BGS Lead Teacher, FGD)
Why is BGS important?
Why is BGS important?
Gender stereotypes are internalised early in childhood.
They limit children’s ability to achieve their full potential, and affect their self-esteem, confidence and mental health. They can also lead to bullying and exclusion, and perpetuate gender inequality.
BGS supports all KS2 children to recognise and break free from gender stereotypes, so that they can:
How will BGS help?
- Develop healthy relationships and ways of expressing emotions
- Follow any interests and hobbies they want to
- Understand that they can pursue any job or career they choose
- Thrive in the world in which they live
[BGS] tied in so well with our work on careers-based learning. The idea that the world of opportunity is open to all pupils.
(KS2 Teacher)
How effective is BGS?
How effective is BGS?
BGS was rigorously tested with over 3,000 children in 5 English primary schools in 2024. The findings have been overwhelmingly positive.
The online training was highly rated, nearly all teachers said the lessons met their objectives and 91% of teachers felt that they were confident to deliver the curriculum. The vast majority of children found the lessons interesting (91%) and felt that they could connect to the topics discussed (89%) and developed a clear understanding about gender stereotypes and their impact. Many teachers reported that children’s behaviour and attitudes shifted after the lessons, including who they played with and what activities they engaged in.
Findings from the pilot have been used to further enhance the BGS curriculum.
Quotes on effectiveness
One boy (Yr 5) at the end of the final lesson….said that he hadn’t realised how important the conversations were and he was glad that he had taken part.
(UKS2 teacher)
Get involved
If your school is interested, please fill in this Expression of Interest, or simply complete the full application form. You can also contact us at BGS@childrenssociety.org.uk.
Schools will be selected on a rolling basis, so please apply ASAP to ensure your school is considered. More information about BGS is available here.
Our school vision.…is we want children to know who they are, respect others for who they are, and to never stop learning. [It] isn’t just about English and Maths……I think this project aligns with that part of our school vision.
(KS2 Teacher)
Our partner
The curriculum is part of the Global Boyhood Initiative (GBI), which is coordinated by Equimundo, and promotes healthy boyhood from an early age.
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