The age of consent to any form of sexual activity is 16 for both men and women. The age of consent is the same regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of a person and whether the sexual activity is between people of the same or different gender.

It is an offence for anyone to have any sexual activity with a person under the age of 16. However, Home Office guidance is clear that there is no intention to prosecute teenagers under the age of 16 where both mutually agree and where they are of a similar age.

It is an offence for a person aged 18 or over to have any sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 if the older person holds a position of trust (for example a teacher or social worker) as such sexual activity is an abuse of the position of trust.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 provides specific legal protection for children aged 12 and under who cannot legally give their consent to any form of sexual activity. There is a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for rape, assault by penetration, and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. (ref Family Planning Association, The Law on Sex Factsheet http://www.fpa.org.uk/factsheets/law-on-sex.

Schools and other agencies will / may have a confidentiality policy which clearly dictates what information they will pass to interested parties in relation to under age sexual activity if the young person is aged 13 years and above.

Pregnant teenagers are entitled to the same support and information as all pregnant women and will be under the care of their GP and Midwife.