Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Old Palace

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement – Aims and Objectives 

Old Palace both as a School and a workplace, is striving to promote equitable treatment, champion diversity and increase inclusivity.

Our aim is to achieve an inclusive school environment, which promotes and monitors equality of respect for all forms of diversity within the School Community. To do this we appoint a governor and a member of the Senior Leadership Team to have specific responsibility for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We have set up a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion working party. All staff  receive training on diversity and inclusion.

We have revised and published our staff Code of Conduct to make sure it explicitly promotes the quality of respect for all forms of diversity and is unequivocal on taking a zero-tolerance stance to discrimination of any form

We have developed a clear and transparent process for reporting and investigating any instances of discrimination so issues are readily reported and addressed promptly and supportively

We survey students and staff biannually to gather feedback on experiences related to diversity, equity and inclusion, using the results to help direct future DEI action plans

We ensure that the School engages with and promotes diversity and inclusion by marking significant events through assemblies, library reading list and school events

We promote and offer a diverse and inclusive education through both the curriculum and wider engagement opportunities. This includes:

Reviewing the Prep curriculum to look for opportunities to make it more diverse and inclusive.

Reviewing the curriculum at KS3 to look for opportunities to make more diverse and inclusive.

Reviewing the curriculum at KS4 & KS5 looking for opportunities to make it more diverse and inclusive but within bound of exam board syllabi.

Reviewing the PHSE curriculum to ensure that issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues are dealt with in depth and that cover material that is up to date.

    1. Ensure that the range of extracurricular opportunities includes those that promote diversity and inclusion
    2. Monitor the diversity of people and perspectives we offer through any visiting speakers
  2. To promote diversity amongst our staff in all roles and at all levels of the School and offer an inclusive staff experience
    1. Promote and monitor diversity in the School Governance and management, reporting details to the School Committee and DEI Group
    2. Promote and monitor diversity in staffing, reporting details to the School Committee and DEI Group
    3. Review and update recruitment materials to promote our commitment to becoming a more diverse employer
    4. Review and update recruitment processes to reduce levels of unconscious bias in the process
    5. Explore ways in which there might be capacity to offer flexible working for employees as appropriate for their role
  3. To advance diversity of student recruitment, equity of academic attainment and progress, and equity of engagement in extra-curricular activities
    1. Promote and monitor diversity of student recruitment, including of bursary and scholarships
    2. Ensure website and other admissions materials promotes the diversity and inclusivity of our school community
    3. Analyse, monitor and report on equity of academic attainment and progress of students looking at final results and value added.
    4. Analyse, monitor and report on equity of engagement in extra-curricular activities.

Where next?

Term Dates