St Luke's Church of England School given Rainbow Flag Award

St Luke's Church of England School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has been awarded a Rainbow Flag Award.

The Rainbow Flag Award is a national quality assurance framework for all schools and youth-centred organisations. The award focuses on positive LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities) inclusion and visibility.  It encourages a whole-organisation approach to LGBT+ inclusion, as well as developing strategies to effectively challenge and combat LGBT phobic bullying to help make the world a better, safer place.

Achieving the Rainbow Flag Award recognises the work that the school has done to take a positive whole-school approach to LGBT+ inclusion, including upskilling their staff, supporting students, families and governors, implementing effective policies, delivering an inclusive curriculum and listening to student views. St Luke's Church of England School have done this with enthusiasm, support and kindness, working with students through student voice and the student leadership team.

Indeed, the school was recently inspected by Ofsted and received a Good judgement.  In their report, Ofsted inspectors noted that pupils take responsibility for their own Pride club and that the school plans a range of clubs and enrichment for pupils. 

Lucie Emmett, Organiser, St Luke's Pride Club said:  "This award is the culmination of a year's work at St Luke's and our Pride club to develop strategies to effectively challenge and combat LGBTphobic bullying and to help make our school a safer and more inclusive place for all. It shows our commitment to improving the lives of all the young people in our community, as well as our LGBT+ students, those from LGBT+ families, and LGBT+ staff members." 

Harrison Littler, Principal at St Luke's Church of England School said: “We are just so proud of this achievement.  We pride ourselves on St Luke’s being an ambitious and inclusive school, and this is a significant symbol of what it means for us to be inclusive. 

“The award recognises that positive and meaningful LGBT+ inclusion is embedded in all aspects of school life, from policies and governance to our curriculum and pastoral support. Student voice and student leadership has also played a big part in this, and I am so grateful to all the staff and students who have been leading on this work.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said: “I am delighted that St Luke’s has received a Rainbow Flag Award, demonstrating the school’s commitment to improve the lives of all the young people that they work with, as well as the LGBT+ young people in their care, those from LGBT+ families, and LGBT+ staff members.

“It’s absolutely right that schools should be raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBT+ community.”