Gender Action is an award programme which promotes and supports a whole-school approach to challenging stereotypes. Demonstrate your commitment to ensuring all young people can reach their full potential.
See the nurseries, schools and colleges that are currently involved
We have over 300 nurseries, schools and colleges registered with us.
Benefits of joining Gender Action
Benefits include: extensive tools and resources, 1:1 support, networking and recognition.
Case Study
Pitmaston Primary School
See how this Primary achieved their Beacon status.
The Gender Action Awards Programme
Gender Action has four levels of award.
Supporter
At Supporter level a school commits to taking action. This level requires Senior Leadership Team support.
Initiator
At Initiator level a school begins its action research, finding out what the problems are in school and making some plans.
Champion
At champion level evidence is provided of these plans having been actioned, and further planning has taken place.
Beacon
A Beacon level school will have shown evidence across all areas of school life that gender equity is being implemented.
Six Areas of Change
To help your planning and activities, we have selected six areas to focus on. Each of these focus areas is designed to help guide your planning and ensure your work is contributing to a whole school setting change. At initiator level you choose two of these areas to prioritise first and complete an action plan template on how you plan to effect change in these areas. Download a PDF of the Six Areas of Change to pass on to colleagues.
supporting staff to reflect
It’s important to involve all staff within the school, to ensure everyone is working towards gender equality, trained to play an active role, and aware of the effects of unconscious biases.
Student voice: putting children and young people at the heart of change
A crucial step is supporting children and young people to understand and challenge gender injustice and stereotypes, and allowing them ownership of the issues.
Curriculum and learning
Resources and the curriculum should be balanced to ensure equal opportunities. Learners should be able to choose subjects and activities based on their preferences and skills, rather than being guided by their gender.
Progression, choices and Jobs
Everyone has a role to play in opening learners’ eyes to the diversity and range of options available for their future, without their own or others’ gendered expectations.
Internal and external communications
Schools communicate with a wide variety of audiences, including parents/carers, students, staff and the wider community. Processes should be put in place to make sure communications materials are not reinforcing gender bias.
Engagement with parents, carers, and the wider school community
The biggest impact will be made when the whole school community works together. Involving parents/carers from the start can help children and young people challenge gender inequality in wider life.