The Cultural Diversity Quality Standard

The Cultural Diversity Quality Standard was introduced by the SSAT (Specialist Schools and Academies Trust) in 2007 to recognise and celebrate the excellent work done by many schools to promote cultural diversity, race equality and opportunities for all students.

The Quality Standard was created with a number of headteachers from schools around the country and with a variety of key national bodies.

There are six key indicators:

1. Achievement
2. Curriculum
3. Ethos
4. Parental and community involvement
5. Staffing and governors
6. Specific projects and innovations

Exemplification of the criteria is available here.

The SSAT Cultural Diversity Quality Standard is achieved by completing an evidence file against the criteria, which is also available online. This is followed by a school visit to be validated and peer assessed by a SSAT approved school senior leader or consultant with success and experience in this field.

Awards are made at three levels, dependent on the breadth of a school’s work, and are valid for three years. A special award is available to schools with outstanding and exceptional practice.

The award is available to all schools, and provides clear aspirations for both multicultural schools and those where a lack of awareness needs to be tackled to ensure that all children can make a positive contribution to the wider community in the longer term. There is a cost of £995 to each school who makes a submission.

Further details can be obtained from the SSAT website.