Equality & Diversity
Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College is committed to challenging discrimination and promoting equality for all. All of our practice and ethos is in line with The Equality Act 2010. The Equality Act 2010 introduced a single equality duty on public bodies which is extended to include all of the following protected characteristics:
- Race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
- Disability
- Sex
- Age
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Being married or in a civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Gender reassignment
In carrying out our function, colleges are required to have due regard to the need to:
- Eliminate conduct that is prohibited by the Act
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
- Foster good relations across all characteristics, between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it
- There are some exceptions replicated in the act, for example; content of curriculum, collective worship, admissions to single sex colleges and colleges of a religious character.
We recognise the value of diverse environments and strive to promote a culture in which all students, staff and members of the college community are welcomed and supported to fulfil their potential, irrespective of their background or personal characteristics. We are committed to an ethos and culture of inclusion in our college for all, irrespective of race, religion/belief, political views, disability, SEND status, gender, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
BTHCC is an inclusive college where we focus on the wellbeing and progress of all our young people and where all members of our college community are of equal worth. We recognise, respect and value difference and understand that diversity is a strength that enriches our community and lives. We take account of differences and strive to remove any barriers to learning and development. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination and bullying and harassment. As a college community, we recognise the need to educate and champion equality to ensure inclusion for all students in the full life of our college; where appropriate making necessary reasonable adjustments to enable everyone’s participation. Our behaviour curriculum sets out the expected behaviour and this is explicitly taught.
We are committed to ensuring equality of education, opportunity and treatment for all students, staff and others particularly those who share relevant protected characteristics. We aim to ensure that those with relevant protected characteristics are not treated less favourably in any procedures or practices whilst also developing a culture of inclusion and diversity in which people feel free to disclose their needs and participate fully in college life. The achievement of all groups will be monitored and we will use this data to raise standards and ensure inclusive teaching. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure the college environment is accessible as possible.
At our college we believe that diversity is a strength which should be respected and celebrated by those who learn, teach and visit here. We encourage all of our community to 'let their light shine'. Our values, together with our curriculum work in Religious Education, Relationship and Sex Education and PSHE scheme, help children learn how to be united in our diversity.
Our curriculum is mapped to include teaching about protected characteristics so that all children gain an understanding of the world they are growing up in, and learn how to live alongside, and show respect for a diverse range of people. Please see our curriculum grid to show how each year group is taught about protected characteristics.