Our Awards

UNICEF Rights and Respecting School Award Gold Status

Achieving Gold Status means that CGA has explicitly adopted a child rights approach based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and that this is embedded in school policy, practice and culture. Young people and adults at the school have a thorough understanding of child rights and this has a positive impact on young people’s learning and wellbeing. Students see themselves as rights respecting global citizens and are advocates for children’s rights at home and abroad. Achieving the award recognises that CGA: teaches the school community about rights through training, the curriculum and assemblies; encourages staff to model rights-respecting language and make strategic decisions involving students; and encourages all students to be ambassadors for the rights of others.

Gold Equalities Award

CGA CGA achieved the Gold Equalities Award awarded by Equaliteach and is now in the process of being re-awarded as four years have passed since our initial inspection. EqualiTeach is a not-for-profit provider of equality and diversity training and consultancy services. The awarding body focuses on helping schools to improve in four key areas: behaviour and welfare, leadership and management, personal development and teaching and learning. The school was assessed by an independent body who agreed that CGA met the criteria for Gold: a Gold Award school is one that is ‘a beacon for others; where the positive impact of best equality and diversity practice is clearly visible.’ If you, whether a parent, student or member of the community, are interested in helping us improve our practice in this area, please email: jtaylor-campbell@chestnutgrove.org.uk

Educate and Celebrate

CGA is a recognised Educate and Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Best Practice School. The school recognises the importance of ensuring school policies and curriculum are highly inclusive, and that students from all backgrounds feel included in wider school life. The school will now work towards the new, updated award: Pride in EDI. Our Pride Youth Network meetings are held weekly. 

Carnegie Leeds Beckett Anti-Racist School Award

CGA is currently committed to achieving the Carnegie Anti-Racist School Award awarded by Leeds Beckett University. Launched in September 2020, the award focuses on helping schools to improve in seven key areas: governance, leadership and management, school environment, professional learning and development, hidden curriculum, pedagogy and parent / carer and community partnerships. The school has a dedicated equalities lead teacher and governor, as well as a team of students, staff and parents who are helping to drive change. If you are interested in helping us, please email: jtaylor-campbell@chestnutgrove.org.uk

The Halo Code

CGA has adopted The Halo Code, the UK’s first Black hair code. This means that our school champions the right of students and staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that hair can be an important aspect of a person’s ethnic, cultural and religious identity and, as such, we celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, weaves, and cornrows, as well as hair coverings that are worn for religious purposes.

National Inclusivity Award

In 2016, Chestnut Grove Academy was awarded the National Inclusivity Award. One of just a few schools in the area to be recognised, the judges said of CGA that: 'Some schools shy away from controversial issues or trends, out of a misplaced sense of not trying to offend or disadvantage any particular group of people. Chestnut Grove Academy shows that schools can explore such topics in ways that are challenging and thoughtful. This is vital if society wishes to ensure students are open minded, inquisitive and informed about issues and debates that may directly affect their lives, and those of others. Chestnut Grove provides up-to-date and exemplary curriculum for preparing pupils for citizenship and adult life in our increasingly diverse society. The panel is delighted to award it first place.' Rabbi Dr Johnathan Romain MBE, Chair of the judging panel and the Accord Coalition for Inclusive Education.