VALUED & SUPPORTED

Inclusion, Equality & Diversity

We value one another at The Perse. Inclusion, Equality & Diversity (IE&D) are integral to our community life and to creating an environment in which every pupil feels valued, respected and able to flourish.

From an early age, pupils are encouraged to appreciate diversity, explore different perspectives and recognise the unique identity and potential of others. As they progress through the School, they are given opportunities to engage thoughtfully with complex issues, listen to different experiences and contribute to an inclusive community.

Our approach has been shaped with the help of pupils, staff, alumni, governors, parents and experts from other organisations. Together, we seek to deepen our understanding of the issues that can affect identity, belonging, learning and wellbeing, and translate discussion into meaningful action across the School.

Hundreds of pupils have contributed through our IE&D groups, using their voices and experiences to explore issues that can divide or marginalise and help shape a more inclusive school community. We seek to understand not simply what inclusive practice looks like, but what inclusive learning feels like, so that all pupils have the opportunity to participate, learn and flourish.

Creating conversations

Open and thoughtful conversations play an important part in developing understanding. Topics we have explored include:

  • inclusion, psychological safety and living with difference
  • racism and its effects on identity, learning and wellbeing, and the development of anti-racist practice
  • sexism, sexual harassment and violence, and the development of anti-sexist practice
  • different perspectives and beliefs around gender
  • inclusive language
  • social inequality and intersectionality
  • pedagogy for inclusive practice
  • neurodiversity and inclusion
  • developing positive masculinity.

These conversations have helped shape our IE&D strategic development plan and inform practical change across school life.

Putting inclusion into practice

Across the curriculum, we continue to consider how inclusive practice can support learning and equitable outcomes. We have audited our curriculum and share best practice across departments, exploring areas including curriculum design, neurodiversity, social mobility and the experiences of pupils from different backgrounds. Student voice is an important part of this process.

Pupils have led assemblies and peer education on issues affecting our community, contributed to staff training and helped inform the development of our Relationships and Sex Education curriculum. Through our diversity calendar, we also raise awareness of and support a wide range of events and initiatives throughout the year.

Staff and pupils have collaborated on the development of our IE&D policy, and we helped develop the first national cohort of staff to be trained and accredited as Sexual Misconduct Liaison Officers.

Learning from one another

Our Flourish programme provides another opportunity for pupils and staff to explore identity, relationships and belonging through reciprocal mentoring.

Conversations have explored subjects as diverse as friendships, vulnerability, conflict resolution, leadership, inclusion and religion, helping pupils develop the confidence and emotional intelligence to engage thoughtfully with others and navigate difference.

This principle of learning from one another extends across our wider enrichment and leadership programmes, giving pupils opportunities to develop their voices, challenge assumptions and grow in confidence as they make their own contribution to our community.

Continuing to learn

We were delighted that our IE&D work was recognised in the 2026 Independent Schools of the Year Awards, where The Perse was commended in the Independent School of the Year for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ).

We are proud of the progress we have made, while recognising that inclusion requires us to continue listening, learning and reflecting.

We believe there is strength in difference. By exploring different perspectives, respecting the experiences of others and being intentional about inclusion, we aim to create a community in which kindness, curiosity and mutual respect enable every pupil to flourish.

From an early age, pupils are encouraged to appreciate diversity and to recognise the unique identity and potential of others.

ISI Inspection Report 2026