Equality Information and Objectives

The legal framework

All schools have duties under the Equality Act 2010, which protects people from unfair treatment on the basis of 'protected characteristics'. We welcome these duties and they are integral to our ethos and values. In general terms, these are to:

• Eliminate discrimination
• Advance equality of opportunity (between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it)
• Foster good relationships (between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it)

We also have a duty under the Public Sector Equality Duty to publish information to demonstrate how we are complying with the Public Sector Equality Duty and to publish our equality objectives.

Equality Objectives Statement

Our aims

We aim to promote students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, with special emphasis on promoting equality and diversity.

We will not discriminate against, harass or victimise any pupil, prospective pupil, staff member or other member of the school community, nor tolerate incidents involving prejudice, because of someone's:

• sex
• age
• ethnicity
• disability
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation
• gender reassignment
• pregnancy or maternity
• marriage or civil partnership

Guiding principles

We believe that a greater level of success from pupils and staff can be achieved by realising the uniqueness of individuals and creating a prejudice-free environment where pupils and staff feel confident and at ease. This is central to our founding vision and ethos and we seek to achieve an environment where:

• everyone is respectful of themselves and each other
• members of the school community are always treated fairly
• there is an understanding of diversity and the benefits it can have
• an inclusive attitude is adopted
• an inclusive curriculum is accessible to all
• compassion and open-mindedness is the norm
• all pupils, prospective pupils and staff are of equal value regardless of any protected characteristics
• we recognise and respect difference
• we foster positive attitudes and relationships and a shared sense of cohesion and belonging
• we aim to reduce and remove inequalities and barriers that already exist
• we consult and involve widely
• we address prejudice and prejudice-related bullying

Dealing with prejudice

We do not tolerate any form of prejudice-related incident and, whether direct or indirect, we treat discrimination against any member of our school community with the seriousness it deserves. Our Behaviour Policy and Preventing & Tackling Bullying Policy (see policies page) sets out how such incidents are dealt with fairly and firmly, and through a restorative approach where appropriate.

Staff

We observe good practice in relation to equality in staff recruitment, retention and development. Our Recruitment and Retention Procedure, Early Career Teacher Policy, and our Pay Policy address our aims and processes in these areas. Our Staff Code of Conduct and Staff Disciplinary Policy set out principles and actions in relation to staff behaviour.

Equality objectives

Equality objectives may arise, for example, from analysis schools carry out on their published data or other information, where they have identified an area where there is potential for improvement on equalities, through surveys with parents, students and staff, or in anticipation of a change in local circumstances or population demographic.

Each year, our Senior Leadership Team and Board of Governors agree a School Development Plan which includes a range of objectives. These include objectives relating to promoting equality and opportunity for all.