Equality and Diversity

Our Quality, Diversity and Inclusion statement

At Barnsley College we are working hard to transform lives and to be a College that focuses on ensuring that ALL students have a great time, succeed and go on to great things.

We are actively involved in the economic, social and cultural development of our community through collaborative and innovative partnerships.

We have inclusive and positive values which describe how we behave in the world.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion objectives

To ensure that the College’s commitment to EDI is clear and unequivocal in any communications.


To continue to narrow any gaps in performance by different groups of students.


To fully embed EDI into the student journey to ensure that students leave the College fully prepared for the world.


What is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion?

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are interconnected principles aimed at creating fair, respectful, and welcoming environments for all individuals.

EDI is about everyone getting a fair chance to achieve their full potential by treating everyone equally on their merits and not treating some unfairly because of their difference.

The Equality Act

The Equality Act (2010) outlines a number of duties that the College must adhere to, and also spells out the rights, and responsibilities of the people that form the College community. It also lists nine protected characteristics, which are listed below:

  1. Age
  2. Disability
  3. Gender reassignment
  4. Marriage and civil partnership
  5. Pregnancy and maternity
  6. Race
  7. Religion or belief
  8. Sex
  9. Sexual orientation

The act makes it illegal to treat someone less favourably because their ‘protected characteristic’. It also bans bullying, harassment or victimisation based on their protected characteristic.

Our equality and diversity reports