We are delighted to announce that Co-op Academy Leeds have been awarded the Centre for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education – Gold Award.

Leeds Beckett university has set up the ‘Centre for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education Award’, which recognises and supports schools’ that are committed to meeting the needs of students who identify as LGBTQ+. 

The Centre for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education is Committed to challenging all forms of prejudice, discrimination and marginalisation towards individuals and collectives in schools and colleges who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/ Questioning and others who have gender identities or sexual orientations that differ from the heterosexual and cisgender majority.

We are so proud to have been awarded GOLD status! We hope this demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring our students develop acceptance of all & celebrate differences in our communities. It’s a fantastic achievement which reflects the inclusive nature of our vibrant learning community.

This is reflected in Ways of Being Co-op…

Do what matters most.  What matters most is ensuring that our students achieve the best possible outcomes.

Be yourself, always.  We bring our best self to work, so that we each contribute a bit of our own unique Co-op difference, and respect others for doing the same. Of course, being yourself isn’t about excusing poor behaviours that contradict our Ways of Being Co-op.

Show you care.  We care about our Co-op, our colleagues, our members, our students, their parents and communities, now and in the future.

Succeed together.  Co-operating is what makes us different, we’re better and stronger when we work together.

Equality and inclusion is important because everyone should get equal opportunity and not feel left out due to their personality, culture or sexuality. Having an LGTBQ+ club allows pupils to have safe space they can go to and be themselves without judgement.

Ren Walder – Year 9

It is important to be inclusive and accepting in school because we want everyone to feel comfortable and appreciated. We want everyone to be able to take part in activities and feel safe when doing so. The LGBTQ+ Club allows pupils to feel comfortable and talk to each other. It builds confidence and friendships, making sure everyone feels safe in school and able to tackle homophobia.

Zahra Ahmadi, Kiara Newby, Kayden Tipple, Lucas Coley and Aimee Johnson – Year 8

I want everyone to feel comfortable in this school so no one feels the need to move schools. Everyone should be supported and feel comfortable no matter their sexuality or gender.

Nicol Kaminska – Year 7

I am absolutely thrilled that the academy’s commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusion has been recognised with this Gold Award from Leeds Beckett University. It is vital that all students and staff feel safe and supported in schools and that school is a place where young people can express themselves without fear and  consequently develop into confident adults. 

Sadly we still live in a world where prejudice exists, but we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and giving students the tools and knowledge to challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia when they encounter it. 

Natalie Jones, Headteacher