We are proud to announce that KES has been awarded the prestigious Beacon School status for Gender Action, becoming the first secondary school in the UK and only the second school in the country to achieve this accolade. This recognition celebrates the School’s dedication to combating gender inequality and fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Gender Action is a pioneering partnership with esteemed institutions such as King’s College London, Institute of Physics, University Council of Modern Languages, and Institute of Education. This collaboration is poised to revolutionise schools and nursery environments by implementing an award program that recognises and addresses the impact of gender stereotyping on pupils, particularly in relation to subject and career choices. The underlying vision is to dispel the notion “that there are inherent gender differences limiting anyone’s interests, capabilities, or ambitions”.

Mr Parker, Head shared “Only a year ago we were celebrating our Champion Status back in Autumn 2023, and now we are leading the way as the second school, and the only secondary school in the country, to achieve Beacon Status. I am immensely proud of the dedicated teaching staff and their commitment to fostering a gender-inclusive educational environment. Our collaboration with leading institutions through Gender Action reflects our belief that there are no inherent gender differences limiting anyone's interests, capabilities, or ambitions. The recognition we've received is a testament to the hard work and forward-thinking approach of our teaching staff, who have embraced innovative strategies to promote gender equality in the classroom”