King Edward VI School Becomes the Only Secondary School in the Country to Achieve Beacon Status for Gender Action

King Edward VI School is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Beacon School status for Gender Action, becoming the first secondary school in the UK and only the second school in the country to achieve this accolade. This recognition celebrates the school’s dedication to combating gender inequality and fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Since its participation in Gender Action from 2020, the school has been awarded its highest status Beacon School for Gender Action. Beacon schools are those “who truly excel and innovate to combat gender inequality and injustice.”

Gender Action is a pioneering partnership with esteemed institutions such as King’s College London, Institute of Physics, University Council of Modern Languages, and Institute of Education. This collaboration is poised to revolutionise schools and nursery environments by implementing an award program that recognises and addresses the impact of gender stereotyping on pupils, particularly in relation to subject and career choices. The underlying vision is to dispel the notion “that there are inherent gender differences limiting anyone’s interests, capabilities, or ambitions”.

During the 2021 academic year, the dedicated teaching staff at King Edward's, embarked on a comprehensive study focused on gender equality. The exploration delved into pedagogy and amplified pupil voices within the school community. This forward-thinking initiative demonstrated the school's commitment to practising gender equality in the classrooms while ensuring that the perspectives of students remained at the core of the educational experience.

“I didn’t feel under any pressure when choosing my A Level subjects. Due to the gender inclusivity my teachers promoted; I was inspired to choose subjects I loved.” Abi, Year 13 pupil

The exemplary efforts of King Edward's teaching staff have not gone unnoticed. Gender Action, in collaboration with King's College London, recently accredited the school for its outstanding work, marking its achievement with Beacon status after a rigorous inspection and interview process. Gender Action met pupils, teachers, parents and governors in July 2024 as part of their assessment. 

In response to the accomplishment, a spokesperson from Gender Action conveyed their appreciation, stating, “We are delighted to inform you that we have agreed that King Edward VI should be awarded Gender Action Beacon status, only the second school to achieve this. Gender equity really does seem part of your overall commitment to EDI. Talks with governors, parents, staff and pupils showed it is very much part of your ethos. Congratulations to all of you for all of your hard work and commitment to gender equity"

Mr Parker, Head shared “Only a year ago we were celebrating our Champion Status back in Autumn 2023, and now we are leading the way as the second school, and the only secondary school in the country, to achieve Beacon Status. I am immensely proud of the dedicated teaching staff and their commitment to fostering a gender-inclusive educational environment. Our collaboration with leading institutions through Gender Action reflects our belief that there are no inherent gender differences limiting anyone's interests, capabilities, or ambitions. The recognition we've received is a testament to the hard work and forward-thinking approach of our teaching staff, who have embraced innovative strategies to promote gender equality in the classroom”

Ms Forsey, Assistant Head, Co-Curricular said “I am so proud to work in such a leading school on gender equity. Knowing pupils have the benefit of a forward thinking, innovative school experience in all their choices, whether that’s deciding on a subject for GCSE or joining clubs and societies, makes King Edward VI School the place to reach their potential.

What may seem like little changes over the past few years have in fact made a huge impact on the pupils experience for the better. Working with Southampton University to offer STEM taster days to girls in Year 11 and with our partnership schools in the national CyberFirst girls competition inspires curiosity around careers in STEM and lights a spark that we can facilitate by offering these events. Our Wellbeing curriculum is not afraid to discuss the tough topics with pupils and help them articulate their thoughts and feelings on subjects that challenge us all, such as gaslighting and consent. The guest speakers we invite also reflect gender equity too.

We care about the details so you will find our displays around the school better reflect diversity and our enrichment includes mindful approaches such as gender blind casting in productions. I have enjoyed running subconscious bias teacher training sessions as part of our brilliant staff training and development programme. Gender equity is for everyone and for all our pupils to benefit from. I hope to continue our wonderful work and share our ethos with others in our wider community through our partnerships programme in future.”    

“I feel like there is a perfect balance in the clubs on offer at KES so gender inclusivity is part of our culture.” Roisin, Year 13 pupil.

“What an impressive achievement to finish the academic year, and wonderful that KES will be recognised as leading best practice, for other schools to hopefully follow!” Virginia Stuart-Taylor, Governor

“I love being part of the dance gala as there is a great feeling of inclusivity. I can be dancing one minute and in the physics luna society the next. Bronwen, Year 13 pupil.

“I feel safe in my creative subjects, never judged or influenced by expectations.” Masha, Year 13 pupil.

“This is absolutely fantastic news and worthy recognition of your phenomenal dedication and vision. I am simply delighted and very happy that in a small way I was able to be a part of this.” Penn Kirk, Governor

King Edward's is excited about the positive impact this recognition will have on the school community and is committed to maintaining its momentum in promoting gender equality. As we move forward, the school remains steadfast in its pursuit of creating an educational environment where every student can thrive, unrestricted by gender stereotypes.