A primary school in south-west London has ignited widespread discussion after incorporating transgender actor Elliot Page into its classroom materials as an exemplar of “positive masculinity.” The initiative, part of a broader lesson on challenging rigid gender stereotypes, has drawn both praise for its progressive stance and sharp criticism from those who argue it risks confusing young children about fundamental concepts of identity and gender.
Streatham Wells Primary School, located in a diverse neighbourhood of Lambeth, introduced the materials during a series of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education sessions aimed at promoting gender equality and combating harmful stereotypes. Headteacher Sarah Wordlaw, who has led the school since 2022 and chairs the Lambeth Violence Against Women and Girls forum, explained the rationale in an article published on the education platform Teachwire. According to Wordlaw, the curriculum deliberately seeks to present boys with diverse images of what it means to be male in the modern world.
“We need to show that to be a man is not to be simply one thing,” Wordlaw wrote. “To do so, we highlight well-known figures such as Harry Styles and Elliot Page. They show that masculinity can mean softness and strength, and everything in between.” The headteacher emphasised that the goal is not to label traditional masculinity as inherently negative from the outset, but rather to expand pupils’ understanding so they can reject toxic elements—such as aggression, emotional suppression, or dominance—while embracing healthier, more inclusive expressions of gender.
In the specific lesson, Elliot Page—known for roles in films such as Juno and The Umbrella Academy—was presented alongside pop culture icon Harry Styles, whose fashion choices and public persona often blend traditionally feminine and masculine aesthetics. Page, who came out as transgender in 2020 and has since undergone medical transition, was highlighted as someone who embodies a blend of vulnerability and resilience. Supporters of the approach argue that featuring such figures helps dismantle outdated notions that equate masculinity solely with physical toughness or stoicism.
By showcasing individuals who challenge binary expectations, the school aims to foster empathy, reduce bullying based on gender nonconformity, and encourage boys to express emotions openly without fear of ridicule.
The school’s broader program reflects wider educational trends in the United Kingdom. Government guidance on relationships, sex, and health education (RSHE) encourages primary schools to address issues like misogyny, healthy relationships, and the influence of harmful online content—often linked to figures promoting rigid or aggressive versions of manhood. Streatham Wells has built on this framework by integrating real-world examples into its “knowledge-rich” curriculum, which Ofsted has previously rated as “outstanding.” Wordlaw noted measurable progress: pupils demonstrate greater awareness of gender equality issues, and incidents tied to stereotyping have reportedly declined since the school began emphasising positive role models.
Yet the decision to include Elliot Page in particular has fuelled intense debate. Critics contend that presenting a transgender man—someone assigned female at birth who transitioned to live as male—as a model of masculinity sends mixed signals to impressionable children aged five to eleven. They question whether young pupils can fully grasp the complexities of gender identity, medical transition, and biological sex when the lesson frames Page primarily through the lens of “positive masculinity.” Some commentators have described the move as ideologically driven, arguing that it prioritises adult political narratives over age-appropriate simplicity.
One perspective suggests that boys might benefit more from conventional male figures—athletes, scientists, community leaders, or historical icons—who demonstrate strength, responsibility, and kindness without complicating the discussion with questions of gender transition.
Defenders counter that shielding children from diverse realities does them a disservice in an increasingly pluralistic society. They point out that the lesson does not delve into medical or ideological details; instead, it uses Page’s public story of courage and self-acceptance to illustrate that strength can coexist with emotional openness. By pairing Page with Styles—who is cisgender but frequently subverts traditional masculine presentation—the materials aim to normalise variety rather than prescribe any single path.
Wordlaw has stressed that the approach forms part of a long-term effort to undo deeply ingrained stereotypes, acknowledging that meaningful cultural change “is not a quick fix.”
The controversy surrounding Streatham Wells mirrors broader societal tensions over how schools should handle gender-related topics. Recent years have seen heated discussions about the balance between inclusion, child safeguarding, and parental rights. Some parents and campaigners worry that progressive curricula risk overstepping into areas best left to families, while educators and child psychologists often argue that early exposure to inclusive ideas helps prevent prejudice and supports mental health among gender-diverse or questioning youth.
Streatham Wells has stood by its programme, describing it as evidence-based and carefully age-appropriate. The school maintains that fostering empathy and offering diverse role models equips children to navigate a complex world with greater understanding and kindness. Wordlaw has indicated that the curriculum will continue evolving, with ongoing focus on representation—not only of strong women in history but also of multifaceted masculinities.
As the debate continues, the case of Streatham Wells Primary School underscores a fundamental question facing modern education: how best to prepare young people for a society where traditional gender roles are increasingly questioned, while ensuring lessons remain clear, protective, and developmentally suitable. Whether viewed as a bold step toward inclusivity or an overreach that muddles basic concepts, the initiative has undeniably sparked reflection on the evolving meaning of masculinity in the 21st century.
