Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Cheltenham College is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to creating a community in which every individual feels valued, respected and able to flourish. Promoting equal opportunities is fundamental to the College’s ethos and underpins all aspects of school life, including the curriculum, co-curricular provision, pastoral care and wider community culture.

The College opposes all forms of discrimination and upholds the protected characteristics set out in the UK Equality Act (2010). Harassment is not tolerated, and clear procedures are in place to address concerns promptly, sensitively and effectively.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Cheltenham College is continually evolving. Alongside robust policies and regular staff training, pupils play an active role in shaping an inclusive culture through pupil-led committees, supported by trained academic and pastoral staff.

Celebrating Diversity

The College runs a wide range of initiatives to promote understanding, awareness and inclusion, including Pride Month, Cultures Week and Ethnicities Week, pupil- and staff-led talks, Chapel addresses, bystander intervention campaigns and specialist external training. Staff receive ongoing training in areas such as unconscious bias, racial literacy and LGBTQ+ awareness, and independent surveys help inform the continued development of an inclusive and anti-racist culture.

Inclusion in Practice

All staff play an active role in embedding EDI across College life, promoting respect, challenging prejudice and supporting pupils to understand difference. Cheltenham College celebrates cultural diversity, supports pupils with mild learning differences and neurodiversity, welcomes pupils of all faiths and none, and is committed to equality of opportunity regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. Bullying or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.

Bursaries are central to the College’s commitment to equal access, and Cheltenham College also seeks to increase the diversity of its staff body, recognising the importance of representation within education.