The 1991 English sex education curriculum marked a significant turning point in the provision of comprehensive sex education for boys and girls. The approach has since been refined and updated to address emerging concerns, such as online safety, consent, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Puberty is a time of rapid growth and transformation, marked by the onset of secondary sex characteristics, such as body hair, acne, and changes in voice pitch. As children transition from childhood to adulthood, they begin to develop romantic and sexual feelings, making it essential to provide them with accurate and age-appropriate information about sex, relationships, and their bodies.

The delivery of sex education in 1991 English schools presented several challenges. Teachers had to navigate sensitive topics, often with limited training and resources. There were concerns about the potential discomfort or embarrassment that students might experience when discussing sex and relationships.