School Diversity Week 23rd – 27th June 2025

Under the Equality Act 2010 we have a legal obligation to promote understanding about LGBT+ equality and challenge prejudice; an obligation we welcome. Research conducted in school, by our Associate Assistant Headteacher Mrs Keyworth, indicated that this matters greatly to Highcliffe students too.  Students indicated in their responses to questionnaires about gender issues in school and wider society that they would like the school to do even more to promote diversity in all forms and challenge prejudice.  Examples of comments from our students include:  

• “I believe not only Highcliffe, but all schools should teach about gender equality” 
• “Education about the range of gender identities and sexualities that exist and the types of prejudice people are still facing … [helps] students to be more accepting”    

Encouraging students to celebrate and appreciate the importance of individuality and diversity within our school environment is vitally important to us, especially in response to student voice from the Global Equality collective survey run in early 2024 which highlighted the need to ensure all students feel included and that they can be themselves.   

As part of our efforts to ensure our school environment is a place where every child can realise their potential, we will again be joining hundreds of thousands of students and school staff taking part in School Diversity Week 2025 organised by the charity Just Like Us (justlikeus.org).   

Growing up remains unacceptably tough for many LGBT+ young people: LGBT+ school pupils are twice as likely to have been bullied and 91% have heard negative language about being LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) in the past year, an 2021 independent research report by charity Just Like Us has found. Positive LGBT+ messaging is linked to school pupils having better wellbeing, regardless of whether they’re LGBT+ or not. Their 2023 report, Positive Futures, shows that LGBT+ people who weren’t supported at school and home are half as likely to be happy in early adulthood and three times more likely to not be confident they’ll have a career they enjoy.    

Alongside our anti-bullying and safeguarding policies, and our whole school focus on challenging derogatory language, taking part in School Diversity Week is an important way of actively supporting LGBT+ young people in our school, and of demonstrating our commitment to an inclusive school environment where every young person can be themselves and thrive. At Highcliffe we are one community.        

How can students get involved?

• Listen to and reflect on this week’s assembly: show that you understand and appreciate diversity as part of the school community. 
• On Friday 27th June, wear something colourful to help mark this School Diversity Week. Years 7-10: add a bright or multicoloured mark of solidarity to your uniform with your choice from the following: socks, a badge, a hairband, a ribbon, a wristband or a tie. Sixth form and staff: go as bright, vibrant and multicoloured as you dare in your outfit for the day. No donation required. 
• Write and decorate your message about celebrating diversity in tutor time to help create a brand new positive school display showcasing our school values. 
• Take part in the scavenger hunt round school: Who said it? Collect an entry form from the Library. Prizes for successfully completed entries. 
• Try reading something new from the school library – look for the Pride Month display. 
• Express positive lessons through art – come to the Wellbeing Wednesdays session at lunchtime in SC3 for some mindful colouring. 
• Come along to a meeting of the Highcliffe Inclusivity Association – open to all members of the LGBT+ community and allies.