British Values and Protected Characteristics

Fundamental British Values

At The Milford Academy, Fundamental British Values are woven throughout school life, shaping our ethos and daily interactions. We actively promote democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance, ensuring pupils develop a strong moral foundation. These values are both explicitly taught—through the curriculum, assemblies, and enrichment activities—and implicitly reinforced in our school culture, fostering a community where pupils learn to be responsible, respectful, and active citizens.

We promote British Values in a variety of ways at The Milford Academy. Here are some examples:

  • Democracy – Pupil voice is valued through School Council elections, class votes, and discussions, teaching pupils the importance of representation and decision-making.
  • The Rule of Law – Pupils learn about the importance of rules and laws through our behaviour policy, class charters, visits from local authorities (police, fire service) and PSHE lessons.
  • Individual Liberty – We encourage pupils to make informed choices in a safe environment, fostering independence through responsibilities, extracurricular opportunities and learning challenges.
  • Mutual Respect – Respect is embedded in our school ethos, behaviour expectations, and curriculum, ensuring pupils understand the importance of kindness, listening to others and treating everyone fairly.
  • Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs – Through RE lessons, assemblies, cultural celebrations and visits to places of worship, pupils develop an appreciation for diverse perspectives and beliefs.
  • Embedding British Values Across the Curriculum – Subjects such as history, English, PSHE, and RE provide opportunities to explore democracy, justice, diversity, and human rights.
  • Assemblies and Theme Days – We reinforce British values through whole-school assemblies, themed events (e.g., Remembrance Day, School Council elections) and celebrations of key national events.
  • Character Education & Citizenship – Pupils develop resilience, teamwork, and responsibility through enrichment activities, community involvement, and leadership roles.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Curriculum

At The Milford Academy, equality, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to our school ethos, ensuring that all pupils feel valued and respected. We actively promote an understanding of the protected characteristics, fostering an environment where differences are celebrated, and discrimination is challenged. These values are both explicitly taught—through the curriculum in subjects such as literature, history, RE, and PSHE—and implicitly reinforced in daily interactions, assemblies, and enrichment activities. Through this approach, we prepare pupils to appreciate diversity, uphold fairness, and contribute positively to an inclusive society.

The Equality Act 2010 protects everyone in Britain from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on nine protected characteristics that we all have.

At The Milford Academy, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment where no form of discrimination is tolerated, and we actively promote respect for all individuals, including those who share protected characteristics. We ensure that teaching about protected characteristics is age-appropriate, with a carefully planned curriculum that allows pupils to develop their understanding progressively throughout their time at our school.

How we promote the 9 protected characteristics at The Milford Academy:

  • Our core values, which promote inclusivity, respect, and equality
  • Our behaviour policy, ensuring fairness and respect for all
  • Role modelling by all staff and members of the school community
  • Assemblies that celebrate diversity and promote understanding
  • Embedding inclusion and diversity across all curriculum subjects
  • Teaching and modelling appropriate vocabulary to promote respectful discussions
  • Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), including Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
  • Religious Education (RE) lessons that explore different beliefs and perspectives
  • Pupil voice opportunities, such as the School Council and pupil leadership roles
  • Educational visits that broaden pupils’ experiences of different communities and cultures

Through these approaches, The Milford Academy ensures that all pupils develop the knowledge, understanding, and values needed to thrive in a diverse and inclusive society.

Sarah Walker-Jones

Curriculum Lead