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Students, staff and families across Harris Academy Orpington are celebrating after achieving the prestigious Gold Equalities Award. The Award, run by EqualiTeach, is only given to schools that are able to demonstrate a genuine and effective commitment to diversity and equalities. 

There are three levels to the Award and Harris Academy Orpington has successfully demonstrated the highest Gold standard for their exemplary best practice across all the communities the school represents. The school is only the second in the country to receive the Gold Award this year and one of only 22 in the country to have the award. 

Ms Marshall Fraser, who leads on Equalities at the Academy, said:  

"Completing the Equalities Award has been an amazing experience. Achieving the Gold award is a fantastic way to acknowledge the dedication our community has to equality, diversity and inclusion and we are so proud to be able to celebrate something that embodies our academy ethos of 'Together We Can'. The whole process was thought provoking and the guidance and support I received from Equaliteach was invaluable and will continue to inform future practice as the important work continues."  

Commenting on receiving the award, Richard Carey, Head of the Academy, said: 

"We are proud to serve a highly diverse community at our school. We celebrate all forms of diversity in those who work and learn here and in the full range of our curriculum and enrichment activities. But on top of that, we seek to bring out in each of our students a pride in their own heritage combined with a deep respect and admiration for those of different backgrounds. We see ourselves as a family at Harris Academy Orpington and are clear that everyone is welcomed here and has an equal voice. 

Our students are keen to embrace different cultures and to understand the value that each community we interact with brings to the success of our school and our area. Celebrating difference and diversity isn’t a nice add-on to a school, in our minds it is a core part of our identity and the concepts of tolerance and good citizenship that we expect from each of our students."

David Astin, Executive Principal of the Academy, said: 

"Our whole school approach is to teach inclusivity, respect and the value of harmony through diversity. Thus, to achieve this accreditation is really pleasing as it celebrates a commitment and ambition we have been working towards for several years. Everyone across the school is very proud of this award and of what it says about our school and community."

Jan Tomlinson, Chair of Governors, said: 

"The Governors of Harris Academy Orpington were delighted to receive the news that the school has achieved the Gold Equalities Award. This is testament to the hard work and commitment of staff, students and governors to embedding a culture of equality and reflecting the diversity of the school and the community it serves. Our equalities work has been led by Miss Marshall-Fraser, who has not only worked tirelessly with colleagues, but has also been paramount in coordinating the Students' Equalities Group - an extremely active and articulate group of students, representing all years, who are passionate about equality, putting forward many practical ideas or initiatives now taken on board by the school, to reflect the diverse community the school represents. Well done to all involved in this achievement." 

Shemaiah, a Sixth Form student at the Academy, said: 

"Being in the Equalities Group has completely transformed my experience at HAO. It has taught me that anything is possible if you are surrounded by the correct people. Never be afraid to take charge and make your voice heard."  

Faoziat, a Sixth Form student at the Academy, said:  

"Being in the Equalities Group at HAO has really made me commit myself to promote fairness, diversity, and inclusion, working together with everyone to create a respectable ethos for our school."

For more information on our Equalities team, click the link: Equalities Team - HAO