This report talks about the need for “evolution not revolution”, but I was particularly pleased to see the emphasis on the experience of pupils identified as disadvantaged and those with SEND. As Professor Becky Francis says in the report, “A world-leading education system must deliver excellence for all young people, irrespective of background.” She goes on to explain that the panel applied a social justice lens to all aspects of their work, recognising the multi-layered nature of the disadvantage and challenge many of our pupils face.

This is something incredibly close to our own hearts: our vision is rooted in the God who seeks the flourishing of all His creation. In their book, Tackling Poverty and Disadvantage in Schools (Bloomsbury, 2025), Sean Harris and Katrina Morley provide a series of practical case studies of what this flourishing might look like in practice. In the introduction to the book, they emphasise that these case studies are rooted in strong relationships. Like us, they believe that “the best partnerships are founded not merely on shared objectives but on a collective commitment to fostering equity”. The best partnerships are also rooted in kindness – the seeing of each other as kin on the most basic level. When someone is kind to you, you feel seen and understood. Kindness creates space for vulnerability to be acknowledged and addressed. Kindness fosters dignity.

Evolution takes time, and we know the challenges we face are significant. However, with relationships grounded in kindness and actions that seek justice and equity for all, I feel confident that we can and will “empower all in our Church school family”.

from Gillian Georgiou, RE & SIAMS Adviser