Equality & Diversity
Our core mission explicitly states our commitment to be open, inclusive, equitable and fair.
The Gryphon School seeks to be:
- at the heart of the community and providing an outstanding education for all the learners in the Sherborne area
- a high achieving school where students fulfil their potential and more
- focused on the quality of learning and teaching; to inspire, innovate and enjoy learning
- inclusive, supportive and a caring Church of England school where positive relationships flourish
- a school where students are fully involved and proud
SAST Equality Objectives and Public Sector Equality Duty can be found here.
The Equality Act 2010 places a general duty on the school to:
- eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010
- advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not by:
- removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people which are connected to a particular characteristic they have taking steps to meet the particular needs of people who have a particular characteristic
- encouraging people who have a particular characteristic to participate fully in any activities;
- foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. Schools need to consider how they tackle prejudice and promote understanding through:
- the curriculum
- community cohesion
- anti-bullying policies
The School’s outstanding reputation is built on our belief that each individual matters. The safety and care of our students is excellent. Relationships are positive and respectful. The school is a strong advocate of the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools which promotes both rights and responsibilities.
Gold Award for LGBT+ inclusion in the school community
The Gryphon School has been given a Gold Award for LGBT+ inclusion in the school community. It follows the School’s work with Educate & Celebrate’s five point Best Practice Programme. The aim of the programme is to make as many schools as possible LGBT+ friendly by including LGBT+ role models in lessons, discussing LGBT+ issues openly and supporting students who identify as LGBT+. The 2010 Equality Act should ensure that those who do identify as LGBT+ are treated equally and fairly, unfortunately this is not always the case, so by educating young people and celebrating our diversity within school we are hoping to challenge discrimination.