Grange Valley recognises that certain groups in society can be disadvantaged because of unlawful discrimination they may face due to their race, sex, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. Our policies put in place a range of actions to eliminate prejudice, unlawful discrimination and victimisation within the school community and workforce.

Our equality objectives are:

• To promote cultural development and understanding through a rich range of experience, both in and beyond the school
• To ensure that all pupils are given similar opportunities with regards to after-school clubs and activities
• To ensure the school environment is accessible as possible to all pupils, staff and visitors.
• To eradicate prejudice related bullying in relation to the protected characteristics listed in the Equality Act 2010
• To reduce prejudice and increase understanding of equality through direct teaching across the curriculum.
• Actively close gaps in attainment and achievement between pupils and all groups of pupils; especially students eligible for free-school meals, students with special educational needs and disabilities and looked after children 

These objectives will help us to meet the three arms of the general duties required in the Equality Act 2010 to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination
• Advance equality of opportunity
• Foster good relations

We fully understands the principles of the Act and the work needed to ensure that those with protected characteristics are not discriminated against and are given equal opportunities. The 9 Protected characteristics, under the Act, are as follows:

1. Age
2. Disability
3. Race, colour, nationality or ethnicity
4. Sex
5. Gender reassignment
6. Maternity and pregnancy
7. Religion and belief
8. Sexual orientation
9. Marriage and civil partnership

The Act makes it unlawful for the responsible body of a school to discriminate against, harass or victimise a pupil or potential pupil:

• In relation to admissions.
• In the way it provides education for pupils.
• In the way it provides pupils access to any benefit, facility or service.
• By excluding a pupil or subjecting them to any other detriment.

All our policies are written with due regard to all relevant legislation and statutory guidance including, but not limited to, the following:

• Human Rights Act 1998
• The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014
• Education and Inspections Act 2006
• Equality Act 2010
• Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011
• The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017
• Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
• Data Protection Act 2018
• The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Non-statutory guidance, including the following:

• DfE (2014) ’The Equality Act 2010 and schools’

Policies are to be read in conjunction with the following school policies:

• Accessibility Policy
• Admissions Policy
• Complaints Procedures Policy
• Data Protection Policy