Equal Opportunities Policy

AuthorAcademic Director, April 2026

Reviewed byBoard, April 2026

Approved bySLT

Adopted by BoardApril 2026

Next reviewAcademic Director, April 2027

Regulatory complianceIndependent School Standards Regulations (2014), Ministry of Education and Culture Requirements, COBIS Guidance

1. Aims

ISJ is committed to equality of opportunity for all pupils, staff, and prospective members of the school community. ISJ does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership, or socioeconomic background.

This commitment applies to admissions, the delivery of education, employment practices, and all interactions within the school community.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All pupils enrolled at ISJ
All members of staff, including teaching, support, and administrative staff
Prospective pupils and their families
Contractors, volunteers, and visitors to the school

3. Admissions

ISJ operates a non-selective admissions process. Places are offered on the basis of availability, the school's ability to meet individual needs, and the accuracy of information provided by the family. No applicant is disadvantaged on the grounds of any protected characteristic. See the Admissions Policy for full details.

4. Curriculum and Teaching

The curriculum is designed to be broad, balanced, and accessible to all pupils. Teaching approaches are adapted to meet the range of learning needs within each class. ISJ promotes positive representations of diversity across subjects, resources, and the wider life of the school. No pupil is disadvantaged in accessing the curriculum on account of any protected characteristic.

5. Employment

ISJ recruits, develops, and promotes staff on the basis of merit. Appointment decisions are made without reference to any protected characteristic. All staff are entitled to a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, or victimisation. Concerns about workplace equality should be raised with the Academic Director or via the Whistleblowing Policy.

6. SEND and Additional Needs

ISJ makes reasonable adjustments to ensure that pupils with disabilities or special educational needs can access the full curriculum and participate in school life. See the SEND Policy for details of provision and support.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

Board — ultimate accountability for the school's equality commitments
Academic Director — day-to-day implementation and monitoring of this policy
All staff — uphold the principles of this policy in all interactions and report concerns
Pupils and families — treat all members of the community with respect

8. Raising a Concern

Any pupil, parent, or member of staff who believes they have been treated unequally or discriminated against should raise the matter in writing to [email protected]. Complaints will be handled in accordance with the Complaints Policy. No person will be disadvantaged for raising a concern in good faith.

9. Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Academic Director and presented to the Board. It is updated to reflect changes in legislation, ISI guidance, or the composition of the school community.

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