British values

Schools and education establishments have a duty to ‘actively promote’ the four fundamental British values;

• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect and tolerance.

Democracy

• All learners have a voice that is listened to.
• We actively promote democratic processes through the creation of group agreements and negotiated tasks.
• Learners are supported to understand how citizens can influence decision making through the democratic process.

Rule of law

• We encourage an environment where rules and expectations are agreed so that we provide a safe and happy space.
• We embed an appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for the wellbeing and safety of our learners and wider community.
• We enable learners to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England.

Individual liberty

• We provide opportunities for learners to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
• We promote an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.
• We encourage learners to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the local community and to society more widely.

Mutual respect and tolerance

• Respect is central to all teaching and learning policy and practice.
• We encourage learners to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance.
• We encourage learners to appreciate different cultural traditions.

The Government’s guidance on promoting British Values in schools is available at Guidance on promoting British values in schools published - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) [external link]