Free to be themselves: An evaluation of beyond gender stereotypes in primary schools

Beyond Gender Stereotypes (BGS) is a free, evidence-based programme designed to support educators and children aged 7 to 11 to challenge restrictive gender stereotypes, build emotional and relational skills, and create respectful, inclusive learning environments. 

A mixed-methods, quasi-experimental, pre-post control intervention design was used to assess changes in outcomes and impact associated with the programme for pupils, educators, and classroom environments. These included increasing awareness of the negative impact of gender stereotypes and confidence in discussing and challenging them.

BGS is a curriculum for children aged 7 to 11, developed by Equimundo as part of the Global Boyhood Initiative together with the Children's Society's Lifting Limits programme, intended to help children understand and challenge limiting gender stereotypes. BGS not only addresses stereotypes facing girls, but also includes an intentional focus on stereotypes affecting boys, to encourage them to be caring, connected and allies for equality. When norms on masculinity are left out of gender equality programmes, boys tend to disengage from or reject messages around gender equality and girls’ empowerment. 

The programme includes a 2.5 hour self-guided online training course for teachers and school staff, three one hour lessons for years 3 and 4, and four one hour lessons for years 5 and 6, alongside accompanying slide decks, handouts, overall teacher guidance, and a guide for engaging parents and carers.

BGS has reached 40 primary schools across England. In the 2025-2026 school year, an evaluation was conducted across 24 schools, with over 300 educators, 2,300 pupils, and 1,000 pupils in control schools. A mixed-methods, quasi-experimental, pre-post control-intervention design was used to assess changes in outcomes and impact associated with the programme for pupils, educators, and classroom environments.

The evaluation found that BGS helped educators recognise their unconscious biases that stem from gender stereotypes and improve their confidence in talking about and challenging them – teachers’ confidence to help pupils challenge gender stereotypes rose from 20% to 73%. BGS helped pupils to think critically about gender stereotypes from an early age – 80% of pupils in BGS schools felt it was okay for boys to hug their friends and carers, a significantly higher proportion than that seen in control schools.

 This resource is from Equimundo, an organization working to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality and preventing violence, including through its Global Boyhood Initiative, which promotes healthy, non-violent boyhoods. It was developed in collaboration with The Children’s Society.

Key messages

• The curriculum is designed for children aged 7 to 11 and includes a self-guided online training course for teachers alongside classroom lessons. It was evaluated in the 2025-2026 school year across 24 English primary schools, with 2,300 pupils, using focus groups and surveys with both pupils and teachers.
• Teachers’ confidence to help pupils challenge gender stereotypes rose from 20% to 73%.
• BGS helped pupils to think critically about gender stereotypes from an early age – 80% of pupils in BGS schools felt it was okay for boys to hug their friends and carers, a significantly higher proportion than that seen in control schools.