Phoenix Academy, a part of the successful STEP Academy Trust, has received national recognition for its efforts to improve racial equality and foster an inclusive culture, after being awarded the RACE Charter Mark Bronze Award by The Schools, Students and Teachers Network (SSAT).

The Hailsham primary academy received the award after extensive training with SSAT and developing a RACE Action Plan to consciously pursue equality and prevent all forms of racial discrimination across the school community.

To receive the award, Phoenix Academy completed a comprehensive package of training for governors, senior and mid-level leaders. It also used assemblies, school trips and subjects like RE and PSHE to teach pupils about different faiths and cultures. SSAT commended Phoenix Academy’s particular passion for developing cultural awareness and understanding among its pupils and commitment to positive exposure to help them build healthy attitudes and beliefs about different races, ethnicities and cultures.