EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion)

All different, all together

An environment and culture that is equitable for all. Where pupils and staff can feel safe, and where we cultivate a sense of belonging. We want everyone in the school community to feel empowered to achieve their full potential.

What is EDI?

Equality is about ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities, and no-one is treated differently or discriminated against because of their personal characteristics. These are known as ‘protected characteristics’ under the Equality Act 2010. The nine protected characteristics are:

• age
• disability
• gender reassignment
• marital or civil partnership status
• pregnancy and maternity
• race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins)
• religion or belief (including lack of belief)
• sex
• sexual orientation

You may also have come across the term equity, which is about ensuring that everyone is treated fairly, by removing barriers to resources or opportunities that some groups in society face.

Diversity is about recognising, valuing and taking account of people’s different backgrounds, knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Inclusion is where these differences between people and groups are seen as a benefit, and where people feel comfortable to share their perspectives and differences, knowing that their opinions and ideas are valued.

What happens at Colfe’s?

When the school was established in 1652, founder Abraham Colfe’s original vision was to educate ‘the hundred of Blackheath’ which included the children of families from the local area from a range of backgrounds. The modern school of today continues the legacy of Abraham Colfe to create equal opportunities within the school community and beyond.

Societies and clubs

We have several student-led societies and clubs that help us to create a truly inclusive community. They lead on educational moments and celebratory events to raise awareness of the challenges and perceptions of our current society in order that we play our part in creating a better one. The overarching EDI society is pupil led and includes members of teaching and support staff. Supporting societies include, but are not limited to: FemSoc, LGBTQ+, African Caribbean Society, Jewish Society and the Asian Society.

EDI team

The equitable aims are the responsibility of all members of the school community. We do have an EDI co-ordinator who is supported by members of the pastoral teams in both junior and senior schools, and pupil volunteers. The team meet regularly to discuss policy, events and training. Recent examples include unconscious bias training for all staff; ongoing curriculum audit in junior and senior schools; regular school assemblies (pupil led) and links with external agencies and consultants such as the ACEN (African Caribbean Education Networks and NACE – National Association for Able Children in Education, which included supporting high-achieving pupils with learning differences. High-profile speakers at school have included Stuart Lawrence (brother of Stephen Lawrence), Dr Tunde Okewale MBE (Urban Lawyers Charity), Sara Khan, human rights activist and CEO of Inspire, Black British Caribbean writer and screenwriter Shani Akilah on her journey to becoming a published author, as well as specific events such as celebrating Women in STEM and the first ever school Culture Day.