The Rainbow Flag Award at Our School

Lead Mr Storey

Our school is proud to be currently working towards the Rainbow Flag Award, a nationally recognised quality assurance framework that supports schools in developing positive LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility. This award is especially relevant within a SEND primary environment, where creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive community is a central part of our ethos. The Rainbow Flag Award is designed for all settings where young people exist, including primary, secondary, and SEND schools, and encourages a whole school approach to celebrating difference, promoting equality, and challenging discrimination.

What Is the Rainbow Flag Award?

The Rainbow Flag Award is a national accreditation programme focusing on positive LGBTQ+ inclusion, representation, and awareness. It supports schools in embedding an inclusive culture that recognises and values diverse identities, including those of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning young people, as well as other related identities. At its core, the award encourages organisations to create environments where every child feels safe, respected, and accepted for who they are. 

A key strength of the award is that it is not prescriptive; schools are encouraged to identify their own starting points and develop approaches that best suit their pupils, families, staff, and wider community. Rather than imposing a fixed model, the programme supports schools to self evaluate and tailor their own strategies for inclusion. 

The award is structured around six key areas of school practice, helping schools embed LGBTQ+ inclusion across staff training, curriculum development, policy, pastoral support, governance, and student voice. 

How the Rainbow Flag Award Helps Our Pupils

Working towards the Rainbow Flag Award directly strengthens the educational experience of all pupils, including those with additional needs. The framework aims to challenge and prevent homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying, while promoting a culture where difference is understood and respected. Creating this kind of environment helps children feel safe, validated, and confident, which is essential for their wellbeing and learning.

For SEND pupils in particular, clear messaging around respect and acceptance is vital. Many children with additional needs experience heightened vulnerability to bullying or social isolation. By embedding inclusive language, visible positive representation, and safe spaces for discussion, the school supports pupils' emotional regulation, self esteem, and sense of belonging.

The award also helps pupils develop important social and emotional skills, including:

• Understanding that families and identities come in many forms. [stpauls-school.co.uk]
• Recognising and valuing differences in themselves and others.
• Building the confidence to speak up if they feel unsafe or if they witness unkind behaviour.

This holistic approach helps pupils grow into respectful, empathetic young people who understand the importance of kindness and equality.

Why We Are Applying for the Award

As a school, our decision to pursue the Rainbow Flag Award reflects our commitment to continuous improvement. The framework guides us in strengthening policies, staff training, and curriculum opportunities so that our school remains a place where every child can thrive. It also ensures that our teaching reflects the diverse world children live in, helping them develop an accurate understanding, positive language, and respectful attitudes.

Importantly, the award supports us in meeting our statutory duties around equality and safeguarding, ensuring our practice is aligned with the Equality Act 2010 and current educational guidance. 

Working towards the Rainbow Flag Award helps us create a school culture where difference is celebrated, inclusion is embedded, and every child is supported to become the best version of themselves.