By Fabian De Fabiani, Senior Assistant Headteacher, Townley Grammar School
At Townley Grammar, our commitment to racial equality isn’t a slogan or a policy document it’s something we live out daily in our classrooms, corridors, and community. As the senior leader who has developed and embedded the school’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion approach since 2022 (EDI), I see first-hand how our staff, students, and families work together to make Townley a place where every young person feels seen, respected, and valued for who they are. There are many challenges to overcome within education, such as recruiting teachers and particularly senior leaders from “Minority Ethnic” backgrounds. Thus, the sense of purpose of mission driving change must not relent despite any headwinds or turbulence along the way.
Student voice at the heart of change
One of the most powerful drivers of progress at Townley is our Equity Commission, a student-led group that brings diverse voices to the table. These young leaders act as advocates, challengers, and collaborators helping us to see our school through their eyes and learning more about student experiences. Our celebrations of Black History Month, Diwali and Ramadan are examples of how our student community is at the centre of our decisions. Each term we organise a “Wear your flag day” and cultural celebration events, empowering all students to proudly show their own unique cultural background.
Through their work, we’ve fostered an even more inclusive community, one where students celebrate their individuality while coming together as a vibrant kaleidoscope of identities, bound by shared values of unity, respect, and mutual support.
An inclusive curriculum
Representation matters deeply. As a Pearson Lit in Colour Pioneer School, we’ve taken deliberate steps to diversify our curriculum so that every student can find themselves and others reflected in the stories they study.
From literature and history to assemblies and cultural events, our aim is to broaden perspectives and challenge stereotypes. When students see the achievements, struggles, and contributions of people from all backgrounds they learn empathy, confidence, and respect.
A culture of care
Promoting racial equality also means creating a culture where discrimination is not tolerated, and where every student feels safe to be themselves. Our anti-bullying ambassadors receive specific training on recognising and addressing racist behaviour. Staff take part in ongoing professional development focused on racial literacy and cultural competence. Hemisphere Education have been instrumental in empowering our staff with the knowledge and confidence to further enhance our school’s inclusivity.
At the heart of our pastoral systems is a simple but powerful principle: belonging. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels a strong sense of belonging. In house training and development have been provided to tutors. To help further bring this vision to life, we have partnered with leading experts, including educational psychologist Dr.Ama Collison and renowned academic Professor Paul Miller, ensuring that our approach is grounded in both insight and experience.
We also work closely with local organisations, such as Active Horizons, to provide mentoring and empowerment opportunities for our students. These partnerships remind our young people that they belong to a wider community where inclusion and justice matter.
When we talk about equality, we mean it in the fullest sense; access, outcomes, and experiences that are fair for everyone.
Turning policy into practice
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy sets out a clear vision: that no student’s experience or outcome should be limited by race, background, or identity. But policy alone isn’t enough. We continuously review our practices from recruitment and curriculum design to uniform expectations to make sure our actions align with our words.
When we discovered that some of our older uniform and appearance rules reflected Eurocentric standards, we changed them. That decision wasn’t about being fashionable or politically correct it was about fairness. It was about listening to our students and acknowledging that equality sometimes requires us to question long-held norms.
A continuing journey
Of course, this work is never finished. True equality is a continuous journey, demanding humility, thoughtful reflection, and a readiness to listen, even in moments of discomfort.
At Townley, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s always more to do. Each year we renew our EDI objectives, gather feedback, and look for new ways to make our school a beacon of inclusion and respect.
Our goal, I often remind staff and students, is not to be perfect, but to keep learning and improving together.
Townley Grammar’s commitment to racial equality is woven into the fabric of who we are. It lives in our policies, our curriculum, and most importantly in the daily actions of our students and staff. That’s what makes me proud to lead this work alongside students who are empowered to be the change they wish to see in the world.
Equalities Audit
SSAT’s rigorous, in-depth Equalities Audit and Race Equality Audit will help you better understand how well equality, diversity and inclusion policy and practice is embedded in your school.
