Under the Equality Act 2010 public bodies must publish an equality objective or objectives. We have highlighted five key areas where we can tackle inequality for our pupils and students.

Equality & Diversity

At our school, we are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers, irrespective of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, age or socio-economic background. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and are able to participate fully in school life, with due regard to the Equality Act (2010).

We tackle discrimination through the positive promotion of equality, by challenging bullying and stereotypes, and by creating an environment which champions respect for all. We believe that diversity is a strength which should be harnessed; it must be respected and celebrated by all those who learn and teach here, and all who visit us.

We recognise that we all have different needs and we understand that treating individuals equally does not always involve treating them the same.

Our equality objectives are:

• To close the attainment gap between boys and girls in English, Mathematics and Science at all key stages.

• To close the gap in performance of all pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.

• To close the gap in performance between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged groups

• To promote cultural development and understanding through a rich range of experiences both in and beyond the curriculum.

• To prevent and respond to all hate incidents and prejudice-based bullying.

Equality in Education

We provide all our pupils with the opportunity to succeed and to reach their highest level of personal achievement. We do this in a number of ways, including:

• ensuring equality of access for all pupils equipping them with the knowledge, skills, attitude and values to become global, national and local citizens, who are ready to tackle the challenges of life;

• promoting attitudes and values that challenge any discriminatory behaviour or prejudice;

• challenging any examples that contradict such behaviour, with firmness and tact;

• providing opportunities for pupils to appreciate their own culture and celebrate the diversity of other cultures;

• using materials and resources that fully reflect our school and its diverse community;

• utilising teaching approaches appropriate for the whole school population which are inclusive and reflective of our pupils; and

• seeking to involve all parents in supporting their child’s education.

Our Accessibility Policy, and associated action plan, detail how access is to be reviewed, developed and improved for disabled pupils, staff and visitors to the school, or those with specific access requirements.

Equality in Admissions

All admissions, including in-year admissions for those families looking to move schools, are dealt with through Birmingham City Council. Admissions arrangements are fair and transparent and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background.

Equality in Employment

We operate a meritocracy; all staff appointments and promotions are made on merit and ability and in compliance with the law. The AET Equalities Policy provides employees with a clear statement about the school’s commitment to promoting equality and diversity within employment.