Reflecting on a Powerful Year for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Clifton College

Clifton College’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) has continued to flourish this academic year, with meaningful initiatives, vibrant celebrations and powerful pupil‑led moments across the Pre‑Prep, Prep and Upper Schools. Together, our community has strengthened its shared goal: ensuring every pupil feels seen, heard and truly able to belong.

Pre‑Prep: Curiosity, Celebration and Community

Our youngest pupils embraced EDIB through a rich calendar of experiences. Weekly assemblies explored cultural events and welcomed visitors from across the College, while Diwali dance workshops brought West End Schools into Pre‑Prep for an unforgettable celebration.

The introduction of the EDIB Champion Award recognised pupils who model kindness and inclusion, and our first Culture Café - open to Preschool to Year 8 families - was a joyful highlight, with families sharing food and traditions from around the world.

Pre‑Prep pupils also joined the College Pride Parade, dazzling with bright colours and handmade 'Spirit of Pride' instruments. During Mental Health Awareness Week, children explored the importance of celebrating uniqueness and caring for their wellbeing.

Prep School: Kindness, Allyship and Upstanding

The Prep School continued to champion kindness, allyship and the importance of being an upstander. A growing EDIB Committee provided pupils with a platform to share ideas and deepen their understanding of inclusion.

Major celebrations included World Afro Day, Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, International Women’s Day, Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Holocaust Memorial Day, Easter, and Pride. Highlights ranged from themed lunches and an African‑Caribbean dinner to a powerful visit from poet Damani Dennisur and a local‑focus Black History Month display celebrating Black Bristolians.

The Prep community also embraced Show Racism the Red Card Day, wearing red and raising funds for the charity. Anti‑racism education continued with guest speaker Leroy Rosenior, whose personal reflections left a lasting impact.

Cross‑College collaboration shone through Lunar New Year and Ramadan events, with Upper School pupils leading Q&A sessions, sharing traditions and strengthening connections. The launch of a new Mandarin Club added further cultural depth.

The year concluded with a joyful EDIB BBQ on the Close, bringing Prep and Upper School EDIB members together for food, games and a moving speech Mrs Maringo.

Upper School: Leadership, Voice and Celebration

The Upper School embraced EDIB through student leadership and community‑driven events. Black History Month featured an Open Mic Night, an Afro‑Caribbean dinner and the launch of the Afro‑Caribbean Society (ACS). An inspiring Afro Hair Workshop led by Dr Kerensa Ogbe empowered pupils with knowledge and pride.

The College launched its first Wear Red Day, raising an impressive £1,065.10 for Show Racism the Red Card. Pupils also led EDIB assemblies - with more speakers than ever before - showcasing confidence, passion and ownership of EDIB values.

Celebrations continued with International Men’s Day, Odd Socks Day for Anti‑Bullying Week, International Women’s Day, and a deeply engaging Lunar New Year event featuring the University of Bristol Lion Dance Troupe, a special Chinese lunch provided by the catering team, and a meal at a local Chinese restaurant for boarders.

The Upper School also celebrated diversity in literature through the Bristol Teen Book Award, and our Jewish community enjoyed a vibrant Summer Term with Shavuot celebrations and weekly Friday Night Suppers.

The year culminated in a triumphant Pride Parade, with hundreds of pupils from across the College joining together in colour, joy and solidarity.

Reflections from Leadership

Head Master Dr Tim Greene shared his pride in the College’s progress:

“Our goal has never been to simply check boxes; it has been to ensure that every single pupil in our school feels a sense of belonging.”

Assistant Head (EDIB) Géraldine Maringo reflected on five years of EDIB development:

“Year after year, the achievements we have celebrated and the progress we have made have genuinely transformed our school into a better, more compassionate place.”

A Year 13 EDIB Committee member captured the heart of our mission:

“Belonging is not something we simply wait for or hope to find. It is something we create for ourselves, and for each other.”

National recognition

We are thrilled that our work to make Clifton College an even more inclusive home has been recognised by national awarding bodies. We were recently named Highly Commended for Independent School of the Year for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice by the Independent School of the Year Awards, and we were incredibly proud to be Finalists in the Education Choices Awards in the Improvements in EDIB category. These are an excellent nod to our EDIB team across the College for the work they do to make our school a welcoming and safe community for all.

Thank You

We extend a huge thank you to our EDIB Committee members, pupils, staff, and EDIB Leads - Laura (Pre‑Prep), Ernie (Prep) and Nessie (Upper) - for your unwavering commitment to making Clifton College a place where everyone can belong.

And of course, to our wonderful Assistant Head (EDIB) Géraldine Maringo, who makes all of this positive change come to life.

Our EDIB journey continues, and we look forward to building an even stronger, more inclusive community in the year ahead.