Scottish Teachers Report Transgender Pupils Limiting Food and Drink to Avoid School Toilets

Teachers across Scotland are reporting that some transgender pupils are deliberately limiting their intake of food and drink during the school day to avoid using school toilets, a practice raising significant health and wellbeing concerns. The claims came to light following the release of revised Scottish Government guidance intended to help schools better support transgender students, which, according to unions and advocacy groups, may not adequately protect these young people from discrimination or distress within educational environments .

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), the country’s largest teaching union, has received feedback from members indicating that transgender pupils, and in some cases other gender-diverse students, are taking drastic measures to avoid the anxiety and potential harassment associated with using school toilets. “In schools where changes to access arrangements for toilets had been mooted, the EIS heard of transgender learners limiting their food and drink intake to reduce their need to use the facilities,” the union stated .

The Scottish Government issued revised guidance for schools in September 2025, following months of debate and public consultation. The new guidelines recommend that teachers consult with transgender pupils about which toilets they feel most comfortable using and work with them to develop an individual plan .

However, the EIS has argued that the revised policy does not go far enough in ensuring safe and inclusive environments for all students, particularly transgender and non-binary young people. The union noted that the guidance “falls short of fully protecting the rights and wellbeing of transgender pupils,” emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address both practical and cultural barriers within schools .

Health professionals and advocacy organizations have warned that restricting food and drink to avoid using the toilet can have serious health consequences, including dehydration, urinary tract infections, and negative impacts on concentration and learning. “No child should have to compromise their health or comfort to feel safe in school,” said a spokesperson for the Scottish Trans Alliance, highlighting the importance of inclusive facilities and supportive school policies .

The issue of access to toilets has become a focal point in the broader discussion around the rights of transgender youth in the UK and internationally. The Scottish guidance revision followed public and political debate, with some commentators expressing concerns over privacy and safety, while others called for a more robust commitment to trans inclusion .

Transgender students and their families have expressed frustration at the slow pace of change and the persistence of barriers to full participation in school life. “I just want to be able to go to school, learn, and use the bathroom without having to worry,” said one transgender secondary school student, speaking on condition of anonymity due to privacy concerns .

Advocates stress that meaningful progress requires not only infrastructure changes—such as the introduction of gender-neutral toilets—but also a cultural shift within schools. Training for staff, clear anti-bullying policies, and the involvement of transgender young people in decision-making are all seen as essential components of an effective strategy .

In response to the reports, the Scottish Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting transgender pupils and stated that the revised guidance is part of ongoing efforts to ensure schools are inclusive for all students . However, leading voices in the education sector, including the EIS, are calling for further consultation and the implementation of more robust measures that will address both the immediate and long-term needs of transgender and gender-diverse pupils .

As debate continues, teachers, families, and advocacy groups are urging policymakers to listen directly to the experiences of transgender young people and to act swiftly to ensure every student can access basic facilities safely and with dignity.