Just before the Easter break, we were thrilled to have signed up for the Halo Code. The Halo Code is a campaign pledge, signed by schools and businesses, that promises members of the Black community that they have the freedom and security to wear all Afro-hairstyles without restriction or judgment. This includes any child who wishes to wear their hair however they choose to in school. We will be updating our school policies and website to reflect these simple, yet important changes over the coming weeks.

As a part of the Halo Code, we are pleased to follow this pledge:

Our school champions the right of staff and students to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black staff and students’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance.

We welcome Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps.

At this school, we recognise and celebrate our staff and students’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on anyone’s ability to succeed.

Over the last week, we launched this campaign to our girls in both the Prep and Senior Schools:

Prep School

Our Butterfly strands unite us in the Prep School and help us to develop a community where every individual is valued, respected, and included. This was particularly clear in the Autumn term when, as part of the strand ‘Take Care of the Little Things’, we created puzzle pieces on ‘Movers and Shakers’ to celebrate the diversity of the many people who have made a difference in the world.

Our recent assemblies have centred on the theme of being bold and brave to help our girls understand that bravery can be demonstrated in the small things that take us outside our comfort zones every day. However, as we encourage our girls to be strong independent women, we are also proud when they are brave enough to stand up for something they believe in. Carly Gorton has been doing exactly this, as, following her decision to cut her hair for the charity, the Little Princess Trust, she showed great determination and resilience to ensure that her hair was made into the first afro wig for children.

As a result she was the obvious choice to help Miss Brand introduce the Halo Code to the rest of the Prep School, a few days before she attended a meeting as the Prep School representative to discuss the GDST Undivided Charter with girls from the other 24 schools. Her presentation to the Undivided Committee was described as ‘an inspiration to us all’ by one of the lead teachers.We are looking forward to hearing her feedback from the meeting to help us plan our next steps.

Seeing the younger girls’ response to Carly’s journey has been heartwarming and when she received a handwritten card from a Year 2 pupil, it really brought home how important it is for our girls to have role models within their own community to look up to.

Senior School

We are pleased that as a result of research, discussion and debate within our newly formed Diversity, Inclusion and Education student and staff meet group, we have all agreed to formally adopt the Halo Code.

Mr Bull led an assembly today to update all on the Undivided progress we have collectively achieved since the start of the academic year. Weekly bulletins now go to all senior pupils with topical undivided stories for example: faith celebrations of the week and their meaning, book of the week and inspirational role models.

Sixth Former Fredi Davies, also addressed the senior school virtually this week to share her thoughts and feedback following the inaugural GDST council meeting which focused on the Undivided Charter and what more schools can do to support diverse communities and ensure everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. Staff and students look forward to continuing these discussions to bring about positive change.