Schools prioritising teaching gay and transgender issues are putting their students at risk, according to the pastoral deputy head of a top girls’ school.
Cathy Ellott of St Mary’s Ascot, a Roman Catholic school in Berkshire, warned there is a “very real danger” that schools are causing youngsters confusion by emphasising alternative lifestyles.
Mrs Ellott also has “serious concerns” about children facing medical intervention if they question their gender.
Not gender-neutral
She told the Independent School Parent magazine: “There is a danger that the other sexualities are discussed, and heterosexuality – which is the majority experience – is ignored rather than learned about and celebrated.”
She said that her school is rejecting the current trend for using gender-neutral language and “often use ‘girls’ when addressing the girls”.
“The girls themselves have said that they prefer this”, Ellott added.
Call for evidence
Her comments come after the Government launched a call for evidence on plans for Relationships Education to be taught as a statutory subject in primary schools across England.
It will mean children as young as four will be taught “different types of relationships”, which could include homosexuality, transsexualism and same-sex marriage.
The call for evidence will close on 12 February 2018.
Medical intervention
Mrs Ellott is also concerned about the increase in referrals to the Tavistock clinic’s Gender Identity Development Service, an NHS trust which works with children diagnosed with ‘gender identity disorder’.
Figures released last year found that referrals to the clinic rose from 1,419 in 2015/16 to 2,016 in 2016/17 – a 42 per cent increase.
She said: “If children suffering from gender dysphoria require medical support to flourish, then I am pleased that these services are available. However, I have serious concerns about medical intervention in children as part of a transitioning process.”
Protect pupils
John Denning, The Christian Institute’s Education Officer, said: “There are plenty of head teachers quietly agreeing with Mrs Ellott but it is great to see her stand up and say so publicly.
“The current trend of encouraging children to think their gender is different from their biological sex – a belief which is without any solid scientific justification – may well be fuelling the rocketing referrals of children for treatment.
“For too many, this will lead to irreversible changes to their body which they may regret too late.
“Other head teachers need to follow Mrs Ellott’s example and protect their pupils from this dangerous ideology.”