We are thrilled to be named the winner of the Talk Education Award for Innovation in Education, honouring our deep commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
At Sydenham & Dulwich Girls, innovation in EDI means moving far beyond policy statements and tick-box compliance to ensure these values are woven directly into the daily lived experience of our pupils, staff, and families.
Inclusion at SDG is actively driven from the ground up:
Halo Guardians: Having adopted the Halo Code in 2020 to explicitly protect Black pupils’ natural hairstyles, members of our pupil-led Undivided Club now serve as Halo Guardians to uphold its significance across the school.
Student Voice & Representation: From our Neurodiversity Council to Junior School Undivided Prefects, pupils actively shape school life. Sixth Form D&I Prefects lead key initiatives, including LGBTQIA+ Awareness, South Asian Heritage Day, and Culture & Diversity Day.
We are proud to be one of the UK’s most diverse independent schools, mirroring our vibrant local community with 28 nationalities, over 30 home languages, 39 recorded ethnicities, and 53% of pupils identifying as White British. To ensure broad accessibility, we regularly visit local primary schools to demystify the admissions process and highlight available financial support.
Staff Accountability & Curriculum Reflection
Inclusion is embedded across every academic department and staff room:
Curriculum Audits: Under our Undivided policy, departments conduct regular reviews examining how race, gender, sexuality, class, and disability are represented in teaching.
Continuous Staff Learning: Staff engage in dedicated inclusion book clubs to explore key literature on identity, equity, and belonging.
Measurable Impact
The results of this collective effort are reflected in our recent pupil surveys:
93% of pupils state the school has successfully supported diversity and inclusion this year.
94% feel their culture, faith, and background are fully respected.
While winning this national award is a proud moment for our whole community, we view inclusion as an ongoing journey rooted in reflection, active listening, and continuous growth.