The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against anyone because of age, gender, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and pregnancy or maternity (the protected characteristics). It placed a duty on public bodies to have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Act,
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it,
• Foster good relations across all characteristics – between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

Bankside is a very large primary school that serves an area of social and economic disadvantage. Almost all our pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds and the vast majority have English as an additional language. The number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well above average. The proportion of our pupils with special education needs and disabilities is currently below average.

We have a large staff of which 85% are female, 51% are from minority and ethnic backgrounds, and 3% are registered disabled.

The leadership team and governors review annually how we comply with the public sector equality duty.