1. Our Commitment

At Herstory Academy, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment where every individual is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
We believe that education should be accessible to all, regardless of background, identity, or personal circumstance.

We actively promote equality and celebrate diversity, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, and we continually work to challenge discrimination and remove barriers to participation.

2. What Equality Means at Herstory

Equality means more than treating everyone the same — it also encompasses the principle of fairness. It means recognising that each learner’s journey is different, and ensuring the right support is in place so every individual has an equal opportunity to succeed.

We take positive steps to:

• Eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation

• Advance equality of opportunity

• Foster good relations between people from different backgrounds

3. Celebrating Diversity

We value the rich and diverse backgrounds of our learners, tutors, and wider community.
We believe that representation matters, and that diversity strengthens the learning experience for everyone.

This includes:

• Embedding diverse examples and case studies into course content

• Using inclusive, non-discriminatory language and materials

• Respecting cultural differences and individual identities

• Reflecting diversity in our team, curriculum, and communications

4. Inclusive Practice

We are committed to inclusive teaching and learning across all programmes.

We achieve this by:

• Making reasonable adjustments for learners with additional needs

• Adapting delivery methods to suit different learning styles

• Creating a physically and emotionally safe learning environment

• Providing extra support where needed to enable success

5. Zero Discrimination Policy

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to any form of:

• Discrimination

• Bullying

• Harassment

• Victimisation

These behaviours are not acceptable and will be addressed immediately, in line with our behaviour and safeguarding policies.

Every learner and staff member has the right to feel safe, respected, and included.

6. Protected Characteristics

Herstory Academy upholds the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. These are:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage or civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

We take active steps to ensure that no learner, staff member, or visitor is discriminated against based on any of these characteristics.

7. Monitoring and Review

We regularly review our policies, procedures, and curriculum to ensure our commitment to equality and diversity is up to date, relevant, and aligned with both UK legislation and Ofsted requirements.

We also provide ongoing training to staff to ensure inclusive practice is embedded across the learner journey.

8. Belonging at Herstory

We believe that everyone has the right to feel seen, heard, and supported in their education.

At Herstory Academy, we are committed not only to teaching skills – but to building a culture of confidence, fairness, and inclusion where all learners belong.