In accordance with The Department for Education, we aim to actively promote British values in school, to ensure our young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.  Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that, while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in Britain are subject to its law.

The Key Values are:

• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

At Knowl Hill School all students have the opportunity to stand or nominate one of their tutor group members to be a representative on the School Council.  The Council meets at regular intervals throughout the year and their findings are relayed to the Senior Management Team.  Actions are then followed up and acted upon as appropriate. Students also have the chance to vote for the Head Boy and Head Girl in a secret ballot, after listening to presentations from the candidates.

All the students understand the importance of laws and why we have to have them in school and in our wider society.  Rights and responsibilities are reinforced through our Behaviour Policy and through regular Assemblies.  Visitors from outside, for example: the Vicar of the Village Church and our local Police representative,  come in to reinforce these views.

Knowl Hill School students are encouraged to make decisions for themselves.  They have organised charity events and fundraising activities and are given guidance and support throughout their time here to make the right choices.  Our regular E-Safety and PSHE lessons reinforce the concept of individual liberty, and how choices made can influence their lives and those of others.

At Knowl Hill we have a Charter of Respect which all students, parents and staff have signed.  This requires students to be:

• Reliable
• Equipped
• Smart
• Punctual
• Enthusiastic
• Caring
• Tidy.

This ethos ensures an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance; students understand how their actions influence and affect others in our school community.

Our students regularly visit faith communities to learn how others worship and their values. Visits have been made to a Sikh Temple, a Mosque and the St Edward Brotherhood of Coptic Christians.  Every year students hold our annual Christmas celebration in the Village Church.

Any student, parent or member of staff who expresses values or opinions that are intolerant of British values are challenged and enabled to express their views in a tolerant and respectful way.