LAE Stratford has achieved the LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education Award which is delivered by the Centre for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education. The school was awarded a Gold standard for its outstanding LGBTQ+ Inclusion provision.

LAE provides a wide range of activities to support LGBTQ+ Inclusion for both pupils and staff, including an active student LGBT+ Network and LGBT+ inclusion embedded within the curriculum.

The physical environment is something that stands out as an example of how the academy is committed to LGBT+ inclusion – from the wall displays (Harvey Milk mural funded by the LGBT network) to the gender neutral toilets and changing facilities there is a clear commitment to celebrating LGBTQ people and including them as a core part of academy life. LGBT+ inclusion is not an add-on at LAE, the team have worked incredibly hard to ensure that there is a strategic approach to inclusion and this is evident in the palpably inclusive culture of the whole academy.

London Academy of Excellence Deputy Head Teacher Ben Webster said: “I am extremely proud of this Gold standard award reflecting our deep commitment to equality issues within LAE. I am particularly proud of the leadership displayed by our student LGBT+ Network and the commitment of all our staff to ensuring that LAE is a place where all students can be their authentic selves.

The award was established in 2018 by the Centre for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education which is based within the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University.

The Centre for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education aims to strengthen the strategic leadership of LGBTQ+ Inclusion by supporting schools to make a positive change at all levels of the UK's education system, improving students’ outcomes and life chances.

Professor Damien Page, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said: “Achieving this award is not just recognition of a whole-school approach to LGBTQ+ Inclusion, it’s a recognition of the school’s commitment to improving the life chances of children.

“We’re truly proud to have worked with London Academy of Excellence in this vital work and look forward to further collaboration.”

 “It is thrilling and humbling to learn about London Academy of Excellence and the many other schools engaged in the quality award process. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition.”