Wrong Bodies, Wrong Schools is a deeply personal and rigorously researched call to action for educators, policymakers, and families navigating the realities of trans youth in UK schools. I write as a principal teacher for additional support needs (ASN) in a Scottish secondary school.

The structure is thoughtful and layered. I liked the inclusion of personal vignettes, which immediately humanise the abstract policy debates. These stories are not mere anecdotal filler, but are case studies that illuminate the systemic failures Jenkins later dissects. Her exploration of institutional heterosexuality and systemic racism within UK schools is particularly incisive, revealing how layered oppressions compound the marginalisation of trans youth.

The author is reflective and doesn’t position herself as an omniscient authority but rather as a participant-observer, interrogating her own interpretations and biases. This transparency builds trust and invites readers, especially educators and school leaders, to engage in their own reflective practice.

The academic backbone of the book is robust. Jenkins draws on theorists like Ken Plummer and integrates findings from her research on transsexual transition in family settings. Yet the prose remains accessible, never veering into jargon-heavy territory. It’s a rare feat: scholarly without being alienating, emotionally resonant without sacrificing rigour.

For readers in education, this book is a toolkit. Jenkins offers actionable insights into how schools can better support trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary students. from curriculum reform to pastoral care. For families, it’s a source of validation and guidance. And for policymakers, it’s a wake-up call.

Wrong Bodies, Wrong Schools is a vital contribution to contemporary educational discourse. It asks schools to do better, which is fine. More importantly, it takes some steps to show them how.

This was a really informative deep dive into the issues facing transgender students at schools in the UK. I’m American so it was fascinating to get a look at the way that other countries handle trans kids in school. This book is important, timely, and deeply necessary