Over the past year, staff and students have participated in workshops, training sessions, and a campus-wide inclusion audit, reflecting on how to embed inclusive practices across all subjects. The Rainbow Flag Award is a national framework celebrating positive LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and we are immensely proud of our students, whose voices were central to achieving this recognition.

In their latest workshop, thirty students from across the campus came together to explore LGBTQIA+ terminology, reflect on representation, examine the Equality Act, and discuss media portrayals of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Year 10 student Corey said, “Sometimes LGBTQIA+ individuals are not represented in a positive light, and this gives younger people a negative view of people in their communities.” Sam, in Year 9, added, “It is so important for everyone to understand the Equality Act and know that individuals are supported in being themselves.”

Guests from the Intercom Trust, Hollie Wright and Debbie Ley, supported the workshop and listened to students’ perspectives. Staff members also visited to show their support, and the professionalism and enthusiasm of our students highlighted the College’s commitment to inclusion.

Mrs Chalmers, Miss Sargent, Mrs Rust, and Ms Moss expressed their pride in Sprinklz, our LGBTQIA+ student group, praising the students’ dedication to making Stoke Damerel a welcoming and supportive community for all.