Reporting discrimination in UK schools

Incorporating the UK Equality Act (2010), The Student Voice Discrimination feature is a safeguarding resource designed to empower students to report and reflect on experiences of discrimination, including those related to race, gender identity, sexuality, religion and disability. Providing educational content through an age-appropriate experience, it defines the protected characteristics, different forms of discrimination, and reporting options to encourage young people to share what they have witnessed or experienced.

Grounded in the principles of The Lundy Model, this provides:

• A structured, safe space for students to share their experiences.

• A framework for schools to respond meaningfully and with accountability.

• Data-driven insights to inform policy, training and culture change.

The Student Voice Discrimination feature ensures that no voice is ignored and that every report leads to learning, action and protection. It is not just about identifying harm. It is about fostering equity, dignity and belonging in every school community, whilst centralising reporting discrimination for safeguarding teams and schools.

Reporting discrimination in international schools – the United Nations Rights of a child

The Student Voice International platform has been developed beyond UK settings, with a global perspective. It is grounded in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a landmark legally binding agreement adopted by 196 countries (as of 12 July 2022). The UNCRC outlines the fundamental rights that every child is entitled to, regardless of race, religion, ability, or background. These are your rights as a child defined by the UNCRC. We have picked out some that you may wish to express your concerns about. This is a safe place for you to raise concerns, ask for support, and express your thoughts on how we can make our school community safer and happier for everyone.

The Convention contains 54 articles covering all areas of a child’s life, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. These rights are universal and must be upheld for every child. The UNCRC also sets out clear expectations for how adults and governments should work together to ensure these rights are respected and protected.

For example, Article 2 of the UNCRC states that no child should face discrimination of any kind, whether based on their own characteristics or those of their parents or legal guardians.

Through this platform, we invite young people to explore and learn about their rights, share their thoughts, raise concerns, and ask for support in a safe and respectful environment. Young voices matter, and together, we can build safer, more inclusive, and happier school communities for all.

Pride Month offers an important opportunity to engage with students around identity, acceptance and equality. By centering student voice in safeguarding policies and everyday school life, we help to create environments where LGBTQ+ students feel empowered, protected and celebrated, not just in June but every day.

We encourage schools to listen actively, act decisively and build a culture where diversity is not just acknowledged but embraced.