Equality Objectives 2026 - 2030

At South Pennine Academies, equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to achieving our vision of “an Excellent Education for Everyone” and to fulfilling our moral and legal responsibilities as a multi-academy trust. Equality is embedded within our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and our People Strategy, ensuring that equity and belonging are central to how we educate pupils and how we recruit, develop and support our people.

We welcome and celebrate the diversity of our pupils, staff, families and communities. We are committed to eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering positive relationships across all protected characteristics, as defined by the Equality Act 2010.

These Equality Objectives set out how we meet our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and how we translate our values into action across education, leadership and Trust operations. They reflect our Trust values and support our wider strategic priorities, ensuring that equality is embedded in our leadership, decision-making, curriculum, workforce practices and daily interactions.
We review our objectives regularly to ensure they remain relevant, evidence-informed and responsive to the needs of our schools and communities.

Our Equality Objectives

Supporting students to succeed:
1. Reducing inequality in pupil outcomes and experiences We are committed to reducing gaps in attainment, progress, attendance and engagement so that all pupils, regardless of background or protected characteristics, are supported to achieve their best.

2. Strengthening inclusive practice across our schools We will continue to develop inclusive teaching, strong SEND provision and effective support so that every pupil feels safe, valued and able to thrive.

3. Promoting respect and positive relationships We aim to foster welcoming school communities where difference is understood and celebrated, and where discrimination, bullying and harassment are not tolerated.

Supporting our people and our organisation:
4. Fair and inclusive recruitment and employment We are committed to fair, accessible and inclusive recruitment, strong induction and flexible working practices that support wellbeing and reflect the diversity of our communities.

5. Equal access to development and leadership opportunities We will ensure that all staff have fair access to professional development, progression and leadership pathways, including targeted support for under-represented groups.

6. A culture of equity, wellbeing and belonging We will ensure that we are a Trust where staff feel safe, supported and that they belong, with clear expectations around behaviour, fair pay and manageable workload.

7. Equality embedded in how we operate We will ensure that equality considerations are built into Trust policies, decision-making, systems and environments, and that our schools meet all statutory requirements.

Accountability, Monitoring and Review
Our Equality Objectives apply across all schools in South Pennine Academies and are overseen by Trust leadership and governance. The objectives cover the period 2026–2030 and will be reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
Delivery of our Equality Objectives is shared across Trust leadership, headteachers and governance, with clear senior accountability as outlined above.

We monitor the impact of our Equality Objectives through a combination of data, feedback and review. This includes:
o Pupil outcomes and attendance, including analysis of gaps for vulnerable and under-represented groups.
o Behaviour, safeguarding and inclusion data, including incidents related to discrimination or harassment.
o Workforce data, such as recruitment, retention, progression and pay, to ensure fairness and representation.
o Staff, pupil and parent voice, gathered through surveys and engagement activities.
o Quality of provision, including inclusive teaching practice, SEND support and access to curriculum and enrichment.

Progress is reviewed regularly by Trust leaders and the board and informs our ongoing improvement planning. Where inequalities are identified, targeted action is taken to address them.

Further details of our equality objectives can be found here: Equality Objectives Table