The confidential EHRC document is expected to be introduced in October

New guidelines on transgender pupils for primary and secondary schools in England and Wales have been criticised for “ignoring the rights of girls”.

The confidential draft document from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), seen by The Sunday Times, is expected to be introduced in October.

It seeks to protect not only those who meet the legal definition of gender reassignment but children “who are simply exploring their gender identity”. It applies to pupils of all ages, with or without medical intervention.

In sensitive areas of day-to-day life, where pupils have traditionally been separated by sex, schools will either be required or advised to open up to those identifying as the same gender.

So pupils who choose to identify as another gender should be