Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Cheltenham College celebrates the diversity of its pupil body. Pupils should be able to feel proud of their cultural identity, confident that they are accepted and happy to share in the multi-cultural nature of Cheltenham College and the wider society. Multilingualism is recognised as advantageous, particularly within the increasingly inter-dependent and globalised society. Within College, we acknowledge that conversing with others in one’s home-language is important in maintaining identity and a sense of comfort and belonging. It is also important that international pupils become fully competent speakers of English, and this is especially important socially and in preparation for life beyond College. We therefore encourage a balance in language usage. Whatever their home language, pupils are requested to ‘read the room’ and ensure their language is not exclusionary. Cheltenham College actively promotes social and cultural harmony, respect, understanding and tolerance.

Although Cheltenham College is academically selective it is nevertheless committed to the principles of inclusion. The school is able to meet the needs of pupils with mild learning differences and neurodiversity. The teaching, learning, achievement, attitude and wellbeing of all children matters; teachers adapt teaching and learning tasks to support learners and pastoral staff are sensitive to individual need. Both the Prep and Senior Schools have Learning Support Departments.

Although Cheltenham College has Christian roots, it welcomes pupils and staff of all faiths and none. Arrangements are made for those who are active in practising other faiths are able to do so. Chapel plays a key role in the life of Cheltenham College; it is the place where the whole College community gathers together most weekday mornings. Its role in generating a sense of unity and shared purpose is fundamental to College life. Events of importance and community matters are communicated and key achievements celebrated in Chapel.

The values and stories underpinning Judeo-Christian world-view are sensitively explored and the key festivals of other major faiths are marked. Recognising that many pupils come from either another faith or post-Christian background, the themes of Chapel talks are drawn from a universal pool of wisdom concerned with living the good life.

Cheltenham College aims that Chapel should be inclusive but recognises that some pupils who have an active and deep commitment to another faith may wish instead to use their time to practice their own devotions. A process is in place for requesting such withdrawal.

From Pre-Prep upwards, all pupils at Cheltenham College are required to wear a uniform. The Heads consider written requests from parents for variations in the uniform that are consistent with the school’s ethos and its policy on health and safety. They may take expert advice, and normally arrange to meet with the parents to discuss the implications of such a request. Provision is made as necessary for special dietary requirements.

As a co-educational school, it is essential that pupils experience equality of educational opportunity. Being treated equally does not necessarily mean being treated exactly the same and staff members proactively avoid stereotypes and promote practices which yield positive outcomes in respect of sex, sexual orientation and gender reassignment. An Inclusion Committee comprising staff from the Prep and College meets regularly to implement improvements to co-education at Cheltenham College.

Discussion about relationships and responsibility form part of the Floreat and Thrive! (PSHCE) programmes. Pupils are recognised as individuals. Matters relating to sexual orientation or gender identity are treated with discretion by any staff member to whom a pupil discloses matters of a sensitive nature. A counsellor is available to pupils and confidentiality is observed. A pupil who may be questioning their sexual orientation, gender identity or considering transitioning will be supported in this process, through trained personnel, including staff in the Health Centre and Pupil / Student Support Services where appropriate. Support takes the form of helping a pupil to explore their own identity; the school does not promote a particular lifestyle. We recognise that every individual is different and aim to create suitable arrangements in response to individual circumstances. Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying are not tolerated.