New research shows majority of English schools are taking ‘active steps’ to be LGBT+ inclusive

The majority of English primary and secondary schools are taking “active steps” to be LGBT+ inclusive, according to new research from Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity.

55% of more than 9,000 teachers surveyed across England said they “agree” or “strongly agree” that their school takes “active steps to be LGBT+ inclusive”.

For secondary school teachers only, this increased to over two-thirds (68%), while almost two in five (39%) of primary school teachers said the same. While a large proportion (43%) of primary school teachers said they neither agreed nor disagreed that their school takes active steps towards LGBT+ inclusion, just 12% said they “disagreed” or “strongly disagreed”.

9% of teachers overall said they “disagreed” or “strongly disagreed” that their school takes active steps to be LGBT+ inclusive, with 7% of secondary school teachers saying the same.

Just Like Us’ research was carried out independently by Teacher Tapp, surveying 3,330 primary school teachers and 6,017 secondary school teachers across England in September 2025.

Despite divisive narratives in politics and the media about supporting LGBT+ pupils in education, this research shows thousands of schools are doing the right thing

Laura Mackay, CEO of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, said: “It’s really encouraging to see that the majority of teachers in England are prioritising inclusion. Despite divisive narratives in politics and the media about supporting LGBT+ pupils in education, this research shows thousands of schools are doing the right thing.

“However, the number of teachers who are unsure whether their school is taking active steps to be LGBT+ inclusive is a sign that more visible, tangible and consistent work needs to be done. Taking action to create an LGBT+ inclusive school environment can be as simple as openly discussing LGBT+ identities with all ages and across the curriculum. Teachers can also take things one step further by ensuring pupils have access to relatable LGBT+ role models with a free School Talk or setting up a safe space for LGBT+ pupils and allies with a Pride Group.

“We know that when schools show all of their pupils that being LGBT+ is something to be celebrated, it builds empathy and strengthens the whole school community. At Just Like Us, we’re determined to keep fighting until all young people feel safe at school and know they belong exactly as they are.”

LGBT+ inclusive education changes lives, research shows

Just Like Us’ previous research has shown that LGBT+ inclusive environments can be transformational for LGBT+ young people.

Our Positive Futures report shows that LGBT+ young people who are supported at school are four times more likely to feel optimistic about their future all of the time, compared with those whose school environments are not supportive (31% compared to 7%). 

Research has also shown that LGBT+ inclusive environments benefit the wellbeing of all pupils, whether or not they are LGBT+. 

Just Like Us’ programmes and resources are free to primary and secondary school staff members across the UK. Sign up now to find out more.