UK to Introduce Grief Lessons in Primary Schools
School Grief Lessons are set to be added to the primary school curriculum in the UK. According to an update to the government’s Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance, starting from September 2026, all children should receive instruction on coping with death and grief before finishing primary school.
The new policy aims to convey the message that "grief is a natural response to loss" and that "everyone experiences grief differently." The reform is expected to enhance long-term societal awareness and strengthen children’s emotional resilience.
Simon Wright, CEO of Norfolk-based bereavement charity Nelson's Journey, welcomed the initiative. “Unsupported grief in children can lead to long-term emotional difficulties. Teaching all children about this topic is crucial—not just for those who have experienced a loss, but also to foster empathy for peers or family members who may be grieving,” he said. Wright added that the organization receives around 700 referrals for children each year, and that one in 29 school-age children experiences the loss of a parent or sibling.
As part of the new curriculum proposal, teacher training on this topic will also be expanded. While some schools in Norfolk already include bereavement in their teaching, experts emphasize that introducing the subject nationwide will help improve children's emotional literacy.