Promoting British values in schools

Read a summary of your school's duty to actively promote British values and your governing board's role in doing this.

Last reviewed on 28 July 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 5105
Contents
  1. Your school's duties
  2. How your school can promote British values
  3. Your responsibilities
  4. Examples of practice in schools 

Your school's duties

Schools are required to promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of their pupils. As part of this, your school should 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

This is set out in the Department for Education's (DfE's) guidance on promoting British values as part of SMSC in maintained schools and part 2 of The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 for academies and independent schools.

Knowledge and understanding expected of pupils

An understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety An understanding that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that

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