Sex education complaints to Moray Council remain low but number of pupils withdrawn from lessons increases
Moray Council has received fewer than five complaints in each of 2022, 2023 and 2024 relating to the content of sex education in primary schools across the region.
The figures, revealed by a Northern Scot Freedom of Information request sent to Moray Council, do not show the exact number of complaints received as the low numbers associated with the response may result in identification of individuals.
The response does show, however, that the number of pupils withdrawn from sex education lessons has steadily increased over the same time period.
Data shows that 10 pupils were withdrawn from the lessons in 2022. By the following year, the number had doubled to 20 and increased again in 2024 to 25 pupils withdrawn from these lessons.
In Moray, parents and carers have the right to request that their children be excused from certain aspects of the curriculum including sex education.
The figures come after Moray mum Emma Cormie called for a change to the curriculum after material she labelled as “inappropriate” left her daughter feeling “anxious” and “stressed”.
Hundreds of parents agreed with Ms Cormie but Moray Council says that part of the curriculum is guided by Education Scotland and the Scottish Government.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “All children and young people are entitled to a coherent, broad education from ages 3 to 18 through the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE).
“This includes Health and Wellbeing, which covers RSHP (Relationships, Sexual Health, and Parenthood) education.
“Schools follow national guidance when delivering these lessons, ensuring consistency in the materials and content used.”
Moray Council also confirmed that it has received no complaints or requests to remove pupils from sex education lessons in secondary schools.
