Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Blackheath High School, we don’t just accept or tolerate difference—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our pupils, staff and our wider community.

As a school community our ethos is rooted in supporting each and every individual to thrive in their own way. We welcome different perspectives and unique ways of thinking and actively seek to identify this in our selection of staff and students. It has always been, and will continue to be in our DNA, to champion inclusion for each and every member of our community and seek to address inequity where it exists. 

It has always been, and will continue to be, in our DNA to champion inclusion for each and every member of our community and seek to address inequity where it exists. We want our students to have the tools and outlook to take this attitude with them into their lives beyond school and take this responsibility very seriously.

In school we work closely with our students and families to raise awareness of issues that are important to them and take action where necessary. Within school, there are a number of student and staff groups that work on different aspects of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Our ‘Undivided’ staff and governor group have been working on our whole school pledges and actions for the next academic year; talking to students, responding to surveys and raising awareness. Alongside this, our Head Student Team, Equality Society, and the Junior School Mighty Girls have helped to set up a number of inspiring speaker events, celebrations and charity fundraisers.

We are passionate about ensuring every single member of our community feels included, has a voice and has visible role models to look up to. If there is one pupil who does not feel that way, we still have work to do and have no doubt that our DEI work within school will always be important in maintaining a cohesive, kind and reflective community. 

We are committed to upholding the GDST’s ‘Charter for Action’ and benefit immensely from the expertise and training that the GDST provide for our staff and student leaders. 

 

 

Carina white interview

We were incredibly grateful to Blackheath High alumna, Sports Marketing Executive and founder of Dope Black Mums Carina White, who gave a powerful, virtual talk to our girls. At the end of the talk, she took time to answer questions from our Head Girl, Saffron. You can view a snippet here.

 

 

Halo code

We are excited to announce that Blackheath High School has adopted The Halo Code, the UK's first Black hair code and made it part of the school's uniform policy. No Black staff or students should have to change their natural or protective hairstyle in order to thrive at our school. We hope that the Halo Code will move us one step closer to a world free from discrimination, where all Black members of our community have their identities fully recognised and celebrated.

To find out more, visit the Halo Code website.

 

Equality Society

In Equality Society, the goal is to educate members and start conversations about a wide range of current issues from racism and homophobia to intersectional feminism. The sessions are split into two parts: a presentation on a relevant topic, followed by a casual discussion. The society also provides a safe space for all members to express their opinions without judgement, so anything that is said remains between the members, although students are encouraged to ‘keep the conversation going’ once the session has ended.

 

Pride

The school community at Blackheath High is welcoming and inclusive of everyone, and we appreciate that teenage years are often when our students are beginning to understand their own identity and sexuality.

We have a comprehensive and relevant approach to Relationships and Sex Education and work closely with Jigsaw PSHE in the Junior School, and The School of Sexuality Education at the Senior School, to provide a safe space for all our students to learn what constitutes a healthy relationship, what consent means and how to build the confidence to exercise it. The culture of the school is such, that every single individual is encouraged to feel comfortable in their own skin and take their time to understand themselves, free from pressure, gender stereotypes or judgement.

During Pride Month of June, we take the opportunity to celebrate fantastic LGBTQ+ role models and raise awareness of issues affecting LGBTQ+ people globally, but of course, this is not just something we confine to one month in the year.

During LGBTQ+ History Month in February, the students also enjoyed talks from Sue Sanders and Ian Nipper on the History of Polari.

For interested parents, we also regularly offer webinars through the school, and the GDST which offer advice and support to parents navigating any of these issues with their children. We are a proud member of the Schools’ Inclusion Alliance, which gives us access to a wealth of helpful guidance and advice.


To find out more about how we ingrain diversity, equity and inclusion into our daily lives, visit News & Events, Head’s Blog, and Blackheath High School in the Media.