Education Authority removes guidance for schools on supporting trans pupils from website
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The Education Authority (EA) in Northern Ireland has removed its guidance for schools on supporting trans pupils from its official website.
Originally published in 2019, the guidance aimed to help schools develop inclusive pastoral care systems for trans students, particularly in post-primary settings. It included recommendations such as allowing trans pupils to use changing rooms and toilets that align with their gender identity, and advising staff to respect pupils' chosen names and pronouns. Teachers were also reminded that their freedom of expression regarding trans issues was not unlimited within the school environment.
The decision to withdraw the guidance follows a recent UK Supreme Court ruling which clarified that, under equalities law, a woman is defined by biological sex. Although the ruling applies to Great Britain and not directly to Northern Ireland, its implications for public policy - especially regarding single-sex spaces - have prompted a review of existing guidance by the EA.
The withdrawal coincides with a broader review of gender identity services in Northern Ireland. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt confirmed that Dr Hilary Cass, author of the influential Cass Review in England, will lead an evaluation of local services, with a visit planned for November.
The EA has not confirmed whether the guidance will be reinstated or revised. The Department of Education and the Equality Commission are reportedly seeking further clarity on the legal implications of the Supreme Court ruling.
