BoE Award

Grinling Gibbons Achieves Beacon of Excellence Race Charter for Race and Conscious Equality

We are incredibly proud to announce that Grinling Gibbons Primary School has been awarded the prestigious Beacon of Excellence Award. This outstanding recognition builds on our earlier success in attaining the Gold Race and Conscious Equality Charter Mark from the SSAT.

As the first primary school in the United Kingdom to receive this ground breaking award, we are affirmed as a national leader in this vital area. Our journey has been characterised by purpose, collaboration, and in-depth reflection, all rooted in our commitment to creating a truly inclusive and anti-racist learning environment where every member of our community feels seen, heard, and valued.

Feedback from both the SSAT and Conscious Equality praised our deeply embedded approach to racial literacy, our meaningful community engagement, and the authentic way in which equality is integrated into every aspect of school life. This award is not just a milestone; it is a celebration of the voices, actions, and values that shape our daily work.

However, this is not the end of our journey. We are honoured to be recognised as a beacon school, and we embrace this recognition with responsibility, integrity, and renewed energy to continue leading the way.

In sending congratulations, the press release states that we are thrilled to announce that Grinling Gibbons Primary School has achieved Beacon of Excellence status. This new recognition highlights their determination to inspire long-term change within their school and the wider community. As a Beacon of Excellence, Grinling Gibbons Primary School will play a key role in sharing best practice and promoting race equality initiatives through collaboration both locally and nationally.

Here are a few quotes received regarding our application:

Angelina Idun, Director of Education, SSAT said:  

“I am delighted that Grinling Gibbons Primary School has been awarded the Gold RACE Charter Mark for the second time. Their application and action plan clearly show a positive ethos and culture which champions and strives for conscious equality and inclusivity throughout the school community. We look forward to continuing to work with the academy to see their strategic vision fully realised” 

Ann Palmer, CEO, Fig Tree International said: 

“I am absolutely delighted that Grinling Gibbons Primary School is receiving this recognition and particularly proud that they have achieved Beacon of Excellence status.  This recognises their determination to make a difference, not only in their own school and local community but also at a national level.  Grinling Gibbons Primary School is part of great group of schools and colleges who are part of the RACE Charter Mark community. We applaud them for their work and aspirations to build a more inclusive society.”