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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 1 September 2025See 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

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.

Find more information in the Department for Education (DfE) guidance on promoting British values as part of SMSC for maintained schools, and part 2 of The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 for academies and independent schools.

Ofsted will also consider how well pupils understand British values when evaluating 'personal development' in your school. This is set out in paragraphs 338, 347 to 349 and 357 of the School Inspection Handbook.

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