News story

Schools Minister congratulates winners of first ever Stonewall Education Equality Index

Nick Gibb congratulates the winners of first ever Stonewall Education Equality Index

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Schools Minister Nick Gibb today presented Cambridgeshire County Council with an award after coming top of Stonewall’s 2011 Education Equality Index. The winner was revealed by celebrity stylist Gok Wan at Stonewall’s Education for All Conference in London.

Nick Gibb MP said:

I would like to congratulate Cambridgeshire County Council - the winner’s of Stonewall’s Education Equality Index 2011. They have shown how bullying, and in particular homophobic bullying, can be tackled effectively. Successful schools have clear policies - developed with pupils and parents - that result in pupils understanding what is expected of them.

Tackling poor behaviour and bullying are top priorities for the Coalition Government. We are supporting schools to take a zero tolerance approach to all forms of bullying. We need to send the message that homophobic bullying, of any kind and of any child, is completely unacceptable. No child should have to suffer fear, victimisation or disruption as a result of bullying, either on or off school premises. Homophobic language should become as unacceptable as racial slurs.

Further information

Full version of Schools Minister Nick Gibb’s speech.

More information about Stonewall’s Education for All Conference is available on their website.

DfE enquiries

Central newsdesk - for journalists 020 7783 8300

General enquiries - for members of the public 0370 000 2288

Published 1 July 2011