We are proud of the huge range of cultures, backgrounds, identities and beliefs from which our students come to us. Not only is this very welcoming for our students, it forms an invaluable preparation for life and work in a diverse society and globalised world.

Celebrating everyone

Our students are all extremely bright and capable. But to really thrive in the world beyond school – and have a profound impact on it – they must first understand who they are. Then have the confidence to fully be themselves.

We celebrate the uniqueness and the contribution of every student, across all races, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, cultures, social strata and disabilities.

We encourage each student to explore their own interests, develop independent thought and express their ideas sensitively, but effectively. In doing so, we help them to build empathy, courage and resilience.

Taking inclusion seriously

Because we believe these ideas must be at the heart of Habs life, we have our own Head of Diversity and Inclusion. They direct our approach to student admissions and welfare, curriculum-building, staff recruitment and teacher training.

We encourage all students and staff to be effective ‘active bystanders’, which means to be aware of someone else’s inappropriate or threatening behaviour, and to challenge it.

We also believe that financial circumstances should not prevent the brightest students from attending Habs Girls, so we offer a generous bursary programme.

Faith at Habs

Our students come from a wide range of faith backgrounds, as well as from families where no faith is practised. We know that faith can often direct motivations and perspectives, both within individuals, but also as revealed in history and modern society.

As such, spirituality is a regular dimension in celebrations and class discussions. We also hold regular Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh assemblies.

At Habs, our students are strongly encouraged to explore, challenge and confirm whatever their own spirituality may be.

Practical aspects of inclusion

  • Students can choose lunch options which are vegetarian, non-beef, halal or kosher. We respect and make provide for students who fast for faith reasons.
  • We host parties and events around festivals such as Christmas, Hannukah, Eid and Diwali. Whole-school assemblies include a ‘carousel’ of prayers, while our multi-faith room is there for all students to use.
  • Our annual Pride Party is a festival-like celebration which open to all students and staff.
  • Students can join clubs and activities, such as our African and Caribbean Society, Christian Union, Muslim Society, JSoc, South Asian Society and LGBT+ Society, among many others.

Disabilities and conditions

Providing we are made aware, and where appropriate supporting evidence is available, we will make reasonable adjustments to support a student’s individual needs. This applies from the admissions process through to examinations.

We support students with a wide range of needs and differences, including:

  • Physical disabilities
  • Sensory impairments, including visual or hearing impairments
  • Specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia and dyscalculia
  • Neurodevelopmental differences, such as autism and ADHD
  • Speech, language and communication needs
  • Other medical, cognitive, or learning needs that may require reasonable adjustments

When it comes to examinations, we can provide, among other things, modified papers (such as enlarged print or braille), extra time, a reader or scribe, use of a bilingual dictionary where permitted, or assistive technology.

Parents are also welcome to speak with us in confidence about any concerns or support requirements.

Our policies

On our policies page, you can learn more about our approach to:

  • Equal opportunities
  • Disability access
  • Individual needs and SEND
  • Gifted and talented pupils
  • Bullying
  • PSHE
  • Relationships and sex education
  • The use of photographic images of students

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