We have a strong commitment to fairness and equality in everything that we do. 

• We endeavour to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. 
• We work hard to make sure that the academy is a safe and secure environment for everyone. 
• We recognise that people have different needs, and we understand that treating people equally does not always involve treating them all exactly the same. 
• We recognise that for some pupils extra support is needed to help them to achieve and be successful. 
• We try to make sure that people from different groups are consulted and involved in our decisions, for example through talking to pupils and parents/carers.
• We aim to make sure that no-one experiences harassment, less favourable treatment or discrimination because of their age; any disability they may have; their ethnicity, colour or national origin; their gender; their gender identity or reassignment; their marital or civil partnership status; being pregnant or having recently had a baby; their religion or beliefs; their sexual identity and orientation.

You can read our equality statement and objectives here:

Equality Scheme & Objectives 2021-22

The Equality Act 2010 outlines the three aims of the general duty to have due regard for Equality, across all organisations:

1. Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other conduct that is prohibited by the Equality Act 2010.
2. Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
3. Foster good relations across all protected characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

We welcome our general duty under the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination; to advance equality of opportunity; and to foster good relations.

We also welcome our specific duties to publish information about our school population; to explain how we have due regard for equality; and to publish equality objectives which show how we plan to tackle particular inequalities or disadvantages.

Meeting our duties to promote community cohesion, and the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, also supports how we meet the needs of different groups of pupils and how we foster good relations.

We welcome the emphasis in the Ofsted inspection framework on the importance of narrowing gaps in achievement which affect, amongst others: 

• pupils from certain ethnic and cultural backgrounds 
• pupils who are supported by the pupil premium 
• pupils who are disabled 
• pupils who have special educational needs

The Public Sector Equality Duty

The information provided in this section shows how we are meeting the public sector equality duty. We are required to have due regard for the need to: 

A.      Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010 

B.      Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it 

C.       Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

The information below is a summary of how we have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Please contact us if you would like to see copies of any of our school policies.

• We are aware of the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 that it is unlawful to discriminate, treat some people less fairly or put them at a disadvantage. 
• Our school governors, and Ark trustees, have been briefed on their legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, and have also been involved in supporting  the school to meet its public sector equality duty. 
• We try to keep an accurate record, when possible and appropriate, of the protected characteristics of our pupils and employees. 
• We have a school Behaviour Policy that outlines our expectations of both pupils and staff in their interactions with each other, including our approach to tackling bullying and prejudice
• We deal promptly and effectively with all incidents and complaints of bullying and harassment 
• We keep a record of all such incidents and notify those affected of what action we have taken.
• We provide training to all staff in relation to dealing with bullying and harassment incidents. 
• We have a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Policy that outlines the provision the school makes for pupils with special educational needs. 
• Our Complaints Policy sets out the procedures through which we deal with any complaints. 
• We aim to observe and implement the principles of equal opportunities and non- discrimination in our employment practices. 
• We pay due regard within our recruitment practices, to safeguarding and protecting our pupils. 
• We have procedures for addressing staff discipline, conduct and grievances

Ark Schools Pupil Transgender and Gender Reassignment Code of Practice

This policy provides guidance for schools to enable them to support pupils wishing to express themselves as transgender, or who may be questioning their birth identity.It is part of Ark Schools’ commitment to equality and diversity.

Please see our policy:Supporting Transgender Pupils Code of Practice Sep 2018 - Sep 2021