Head of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Beaconsfield High School
With over 30 years of experience in education, I am a lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion. Currently serving as the Head of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) at Beaconsfield High School, I lead our whole-school strategy to embed inclusive practices across policy, curriculum, and culture. My passion lies in creating spaces where all individuals—students, staff, and families—feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Before joining Beaconsfield High School, I served as the EDI Lead at the Central London Unit of the Home Office, where I helped shape inclusive workplace policy and led cultural competency training across diverse teams.
At Beaconsfield High School, I have launched and implemented several strategic initiatives that cut across all protected characteristics and diversity strands:
Key Initiatives:
• EDI Surgery – A monthly confidential drop-in space for staff and students to share concerns, feedback, or seek guidance around inclusion issues.
• Global Citizens Week – A whole-school annual event celebrating diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives, building awareness and belonging across age, race, religion, and nationality.
• BHS Women of Influence Awards – A student-led recognition programme celebrating trailblazing women within and beyond our school community, promoting gender equality and inspiration.
• Beyond labels EDI at BHS Podcast Series – A platform for student and staff voices on topics ranging from neurodiversity, race, gender, personal journeys to allyship, helping normalise inclusive conversations.
• Student EDI Champions Programme – A leadership development initiative empowering students to become change agents, working collaboratively with staff to identify and tackle barriers to inclusion.
Impact:
• Race & Religion – Increased sense of belonging reported in student surveys from students of colour and minority faiths; culturally inclusive curriculum enhancements in PSHE, History, and English.
• Gender & LGBT – Implementation of gender-neutral toilets and uniform options; stronger safeguarding and support for LGBT+ students, including a new Pride Society.
• Disability & Neurodiversity – Increased visibility of neurodiverse students in leadership roles; differentiated teaching strategies shared through CPD.
• Age (Intergenerational Inclusion) – Staff EDI CPD encourages reflection on intergenerational bias; mentorship pairings that span age groups have improved collaboration.
Recognition & Awards:
This our 5th award submission, the school has received commendation from parents and external partners for our pioneering approach to inclusive education. Our students have presented aspects of our EDI work at local borough conferences and we are currently exploring accreditation with the Equitable Schools Alliance, Educate & Celebrate, and Freddie Framework.
Why I Have Been Nominated:
I feel incredibly honoured to have been nominated as Head of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at BHS. As a Black woman raised in both the north and south of England, my lived experience has deeply shaped my understanding of identity, belonging, and the importance of challenging inequality in all its forms. I know first-hand what it means to navigate spaces where your voice is not always heard, and that is why I have made it my mission to create environments where every individual feels seen, respected, and empowered. I believe strongly in communicating the difference between equity and equality—ensuring that we meet people where they are, not just where we think they should be. My approach is always rooted in action, not just words. I have never been interested in performative change. I want the kind of impact that rewrites systems, shifts culture, and uplifts communities.
Throughout my journey at BHS, I have prioritised building relationships grounded in trust, openness, and collaboration. I know that meaningful change does not happen in isolation it requires all of us. I am always willing to learn and, more importantly, unlearn. I have listened to students, colleagues, and leaders with humility and curiosity, always asking: how can we do better together? Whether it is leading the staff EDI champions, co-creating student voice initiatives, or shaping inclusive policies, I have worked to ensure that inclusion is not a tick-box exercise but a lived reality in our school culture. My leadership is driven by purpose, grounded in empathy, and driven by a vision of a school where everyone truly belongs
