Positive Masculinities in Somerset Schools

A Whole-School Toolkit for Teachers, School Leaders and Education Support Staff

This toolkit has been commissioned to support schools across Somerset in developing a whole-school approach to positive masculinities and gender equality. It is designed to help teachers, school leaders and education support staff create school cultures where boys can critically reflect on harmful expectations about masculinity, while all pupils benefit from safer, more respectful and inclusive learning environments.

 

The toolkit provides practical guidance for embedding positive masculinities across school policies, curriculum, relationships and everyday practice. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, it presents adaptable strategies that can be tailored to the needs, priorities and context of individual schools.

 

 

This toolkit was commissioned by The Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership on behalf of Somerset Educational Settings and was developed by Beyond Equality, a UK organisation specialising in gender-transformative work with men and boys.

Why Does This Work Matter?

Across the UK, many boys grow up receiving messages about what it means to be a man. These messages often encourage qualities such as toughness, emotional control, dominance and self-reliance, while discouraging vulnerability, help-seeking and emotional expression.

 

Research shows that rigid masculine norms can have significant consequences for:

• Mental health and wellbeing.
• Help-seeking behaviour.
• Educational engagement.
• Relationships and communication.
• Attitudes towards women and girls.

The impact extends beyond boys themselves. Restrictive ideas about masculinity can contribute to sexism, misogyny, harassment and unhealthy relationship behaviours, affecting girls, women and gender-diverse people across school communities.

 

By promoting positive masculinities, schools can support boys to thrive while helping create environments that are safer, fairer and more inclusive for everyone.

How Schools Can Use the Toolkit

Schools can use the toolkit to:

• Review and strengthen policies such as Relationships Sex and Health Education Curriculum teaching and learning, behaviour, anti-bullying and equality policies.
• Develop a consistent whole-school approach to challenging harmful gender stereotypes and misogyny.
• Build staff confidence in responding to sexist, harmful or discriminatory behaviours. 
• Enhance teaching and learning through curriculum opportunities that explore masculinity, relationships and respect.
• Improve support for boys' emotional wellbeing, help-seeking and resilience.
• Strengthen safeguarding and create safer environments for girls, boys and gender-diverse pupils.