The visit was to celebrate the school being one of around ten schools nationwide, and the only one in the region, to be presented with the Gold Equality Award.

The Equalities Award provides support and guidance for schools to effectively promote equality, diversity and inclusion and allows schools to showcase their commitment to equality.

The Award has been designed by a team of equality and education experts to allow schools to fulfil their statutory duties to:

• Eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations (Equality Act 2010)
• Promote community cohesion (Education and Inspections Act 2006)
• Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism (Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015)
• Safeguard children and promote spiritual moral, social and cultural development (Education Act 2002)

There are Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, allowing schools to work at an achievable level and build upon a commitment to equality over time. Schools can progress through the levels as their equalities work develops.

Ferndale achieved the award in only eight months despite it usually taking 18 months.

Councillor Richard Jones said: “It’s a real testament to the students and staff at Ferndale that not only are they only one of ten schools nationwide that earned this award but that they did so in less than half the time of most is exceptional. I congratulate them all.”

Headteacher Ruth Gillett said: “This award shows how the importance the school and our students place on being a fair and safe place to learn and develop without fear of discrimination and with opportunity for all regardless of gender or of cultural, national or religious background.”