Practical guidance for GB primary and secondary schools
In 2019, the Department for Education made health education a mandatory part of the national curriculum — and for the first time, first aid training became a statutory requirement for all secondary schools and strongly encouraged for primary schools in England. Followed by Wales & Scotland’s education regualtors in 2023.
This move recognises something we’ve known for a long time: first aid saves lives, and children of all ages can and should learn these essential skills.
At Remote First Aid, we help schools across the GB deliver meaningful, age-appropriate first aid training — in a way that’s engaging, memorable, and curriculum-compliant.
These topics are part of the Health Education strand of the national curriculum in England and are expected to be delivered as part of PSHE or wider enrichment programmes.
Why Teaching First Aid in Schools Matters
- Empowers students with confidence and responsibility
- Reinforces safeguarding and wellbeing culture
- Equips pupils with lifelong skills they might need at any moment — at school, at home, or in public
- Supports each nations education regulators in personal development and life skills
Even basic knowledge — like how to check breathing, call an ambulance, or help someone choking — could save a life.
How Schools Can Deliver First Aid Training
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, which gives schools flexibility. Some choose to deliver first aid internally, while many bring in qualified trainers to ensure accuracy, confidence and hands-on practice.
Here are some options:
1. Teacher-Led Sessions (Using Pre-Made Resources)
- Use online lesson plans or videos from organisations like TES
2. External First Aid Providers (Like Us!)
- Bring in expert clinical-led, age-appropriate sessions for:
- Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5–6)
- Key Stage 3 & 4
- Offers live CPR, AED and recovery position demos using training manikins.
- Ideal for meeting curriculum aims and leaving pupils with real, practical confidence.
3. Enrichment Days or Off-Timetable Weeks
- Include first aid as part of health, careers or life-skills weeks.
- Works well for secondary schools wanting to meet the curriculum aims in a single impactful day.
- We also provide sixth form medical society training support based around clinical skills in BLS / ILS.
How Remote First Aid Can Help
We offer a range of flexible, curriculum-aligned school packages:
First Aid for Schools (Primary and Secondary)
- Age-appropriate content
- Hands-on learning using CPR manikins and training AEDs
- Delivered by real paramedics — not just instructors
CPR & AED Workshops
- Fast, focused sessions to meet secondary school curriculum goals
Staff Training Too
- We also offer Paediatric First Aid and Emergency First Aid at Work for teachers and support staff, we support schools here in Wales in Monmouthshire, Torfaen and in England across Birmingham, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Lancashire.
We also support a number of school staff across the UK who have the relevent teaching qualifcations alongside the first aid at work qualifcation to deliver in-house training to sixth formers and other older students the Emergency First Aid at Work qualifcation that comes with 8 UCAS points attached to it, to support their learners seeking a university space.
Delivered on-site at your school, across Great Britain.
Ready to Meet the Curriculum and Inspire Lifesavers?
Let’s book your next first aid session — tailored to your school’s age group and schedule.