Equality at St John XXIII

At St John XXIII School we recognise and value our position in the local community. We recognise that the community develops and changes along with the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We also understand we have a vital role in ensuring that the School community fosters tolerance and respect and that groups or individuals within the School are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation.

We welcome our general duty under the Equality Act 2010; to eliminate discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity and to foster good relations, to explain how we have due regard for equality and to publish equality objectives which show how we plan to tackle particular inequalities, and reduce or remove them.

We also welcome our duty under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to promote community cohesion.

Accordingly, we vehemently oppose all forms of discrimination against someone because of a protected characteristic in accordance with the law. We actively seek to instil British Values so that all our students leave St John XXIII School as open-minded individuals who are ready to play a full role in our modern society.

The Equalities Award

The Equalities Award provides support and guidance for schools to effectively promote equality, diversity and inclusion and allows schools to showcase their commitment to equality.

The Award has been designed by a team of equality and education experts to allow schools to fulfil their statutory duties to:

• Eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations (Equality Act 2010)
• Promote community cohesion (Education and Inspections Act 2006)
• Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism (Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015)
• Safeguard children and promote spiritual moral, social and cultural development (Education Act 2002)

There are Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, allowing schools to work at an achievable level and build upon a commitment to equality over time. Schools can progress through the levels as their equalities work develops.

Schools begin working towards the Award in half-termly cohorts, and with high demand we are often registering schools up to two terms in advance. 

No matter what type of school they attend, it is important that all children leave with an understanding of the world they are growing up in, having learned how to live alongside, and show respect for, a diverse range of people. When we inspect schools, we assess how well they equip children to do this.​ - Ofsted, 2020.

The Award was established in 2011 and over 800 schools have been part of the scheme since its origins.