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How to monitor the promotion of British values in your school

Find tips on scrutinising how British values are being incorporated into your school, both through the curriculum and holistically through its wider culture, vision and ethos.

Last reviewed on 19 March 2024See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 5459
Contents
  1. Your school/trust's responsibilities
  2. Monitor how your school's curriculum promotes British values
  3. Monitor British values in your school's culture, ethos and vision
  4. Questions to ask about British values

Your school/trust's responsibilities

Schools and trusts are required to promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of their pupils. As part of this, your school or trust's culture must actively promote the fundamental British values of:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Please note: this is now a 'must' in the new governance guides, whereas previously it was a 'should' in the withdrawn Governance Handbook.

You can find this in section 1.1.2 of the academy trust governance guide and section 2.1 of the maintained schools governance guide.

Ofsted will also consider how well pupils understand British values when evaluating 'personal development' in your school. This is set out in paragraphs 326 and 332 to

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