The majority of teachers in England say their school takes active steps to be LGBT+ inclusive, a poll suggests.

A survey of more than 9,000 primary and secondary teachers for charity Just Like Us found 55 per cent agreed their school makes an effort to be inclusive.

However, 9 per cent of teachers said they disagreed that their school is taking active steps towards LGBT+ inclusion.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, said: “We see through our members how committed the profession is to championing and defending diversity, tackling discrimination and creating inclusive learning and working environments for all their pupils and staff. It’s important we share and celebrate the fantastic work many schools are doing.”

‘More’ for some schools to do

He added: “However, these figures also show there is still more for some schools to do to demonstrate these values in action and ensure all staff are aware of and engaged in this work - and it’s important that school leaders are supported to develop and maintain an inclusive environment.”

Secondary school teachers were more likely to say their school was taking steps to be inclusive, with 68 per cent saying this, compared with 39 per cent of primary teachers.

Some 12 per cent of primary teachers disagreed that their school was taking steps to be LGBT+ inclusive; the largest proportion (43 per cent) said they neither agreed or disagreed.

Just Like Us CEO Laura Mackay said: “Despite divisive narratives in politics and the media about supporting LGBT+ pupils in education, this research shows thousands of schools are doing the right thing.

“However, the number of teachers who are unsure whether their school is taking active steps to be LGBT+ inclusive is a sign that more visible, tangible and consistent work needs to be done.”

Heads most likely to say school is LGBT+ inclusive

Headteachers were most likely (60 per cent) to say their schools were taking steps to be LGBT+ inclusive in the poll, which was carried out by Teacher Tapp.

Association of School and College Leaders general secretary Pepe Di’Iasio said pupils are expected to learn about the importance of equality and respect in relationships, sex and health education (RSHE), as well as - at secondary school - about all protected characteristics.

“Schools also follow statutory safeguarding guidance on ensuring they have in place policies and procedures to prevent and act over any form of bullying, including discriminatory bullying,” he added.

Earlier this year, the Department for Education published new guidance for RSHE, which said that primary schools should teach pupils about same-sex parents, and secondary schools should integrate exploration of healthy same-sex relationships across RSHE.

The guidance also said pupils should be “taught the facts and the law about biological sex and gender reassignment” and that, while doing this, schools should be mindful that there is “significant debate” in this area and “be careful not to endorse any particular view or teach it as fact”.

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