Equalities

The Equality Act 2010 was introduced to ensure protection from discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of specific characteristics (referred to as protected characteristics). For schools, this means that it is unlawful to discriminate against students or treat them less favourably because of their gender; race; disability; religion or belief; gender reassignment; sexual orientation; pregnancy or maternity.

Marriage and civil partnerships and age are also ‘protected characteristics’, but do not apply to our provision for students.

Under the Act, the school is expected to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty. This requires us to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
• Advance equality of opportunity and foster good relationships
• Contribute to an inclusive curriculum and positive ethos which reflects our diverse society

As a public organisation, we are required to:

• Publish information to show compliance with the Equality Duty. This is done via our Equality and Diversity Policy
• Publish Equality Objectives which are specific and measurable

Our Equalities and Diversity Policy is in line with national guidance and contains information about how the school complies with the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Our Equality Objectives reflect the school’s priorities and draw upon available data and other evidence.

Our Equality Objectives are:

Engage in and promote the social, moral, spiritual and cultural development of all students, explicitly through the curriculum and implicitly through modelling the promotion of equality of opportunity and diversity.

• Create a learning environment in which everyone feels valued and welcome;
• Prepare students for life in a diverse and rapidly changing society;
• Encourage all members of the community to value and celebrate diversity;
• Advance equality of opportunity;
• Foster good relationships through tackling prejudice and promoting understanding;
• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Specific tasks relating to these objectives can be found within the School Development Plan.