Island Schools Unite To Promote Positive Masculinity Among Young Men

Teachers and professionals from across the Isle of Wight came together at Christ the King College last week for a special workshop focused on promoting positive masculinity and supporting young men to develop healthier attitudes and behaviours.

Around 60 attendees — including staff from Island schools, a post-16 residential care home, Children’s Services, and local clergy — took part in training delivered by Progressive Masculinity Ltd.

The session explored how schools can help boys build confidence, express emotions, and challenge harmful stereotypes.

The event comes after new government guidance encouraged schools to tackle misogyny through the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum, describing the issue as having reached “epidemic” levels.

Andrew Montrose, Headteacher of Christ the King College, said:

“As an Island community, we wanted to learn how we can support our young people to create a masculinity that reflects our values — one that promotes equality, tolerance, and compassion.”

The training built on sessions held earlier in the day with Year 10 students, who explored topics such as masculinity in the digital world, role models, and emotional expression.

One student said:

“It’s been amazing finding how to express emotions and how to respect women.”

Another added:

“It’s been great exploring our emotions and finding our inner truths.”

Staff and students alike left the sessions feeling empowered and inspired to promote a more positive, respectful, and compassionate model of masculinity across Island schools.