Teachers need training to deal with issues of sexuality and gender

LGBT issues should also be included in all teacher training courses, it has been urged.

A motion before the National Union of Teachers’ annual conference in Harrogate raised concerns about homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, which it said are “still strongly prevalent” in schools.

The motion, which was passed with large support from delegates, called for a commitment from the incoming government to help schools make it easier “to discuss ideas about sexuality and gender so that students and teachers are more confident to identify as LGBT and work in schools without fear of prejudice”.

It also set out a 10-point plan for the next government to address the issue, including appointing an education secretary that supports LGBT rights and “has a positive track record in supporting civil partnership and gay marriage” – a reference to current education secretary Nicky Morgan’s vote against the recent gay marriage legislation.