Merton is the top performing council in London and among the top 20 in England leading the way in promoting equality in schools and tackling discrimination.
The council is the number one in the capital and 14th out of the 47 Local Authorities in England who took part in the 2015 Stonewall Education Equality Index, 4 places up from last year.
Local authorities from across the country submitted evidence showing their equalities work on preventing and tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in schools as well as supporting lesbian, gay and bisexual young people within the community.
Merton’s cabinet member for education, Councillor Martin Whelton, said: “I am proud that our work has been recognised by Stonewall and that we are top in London. Merton is a borough of residents from many different backgrounds. As a Stonewall Champion, we work hard with our schools to help our children learn and accept this diversity from a young age. We also provide all the schools in the borough with continued support and resources in supporting equalities and diversity.”
Sarah Rose, Senior Account Manager, Stonewall: ‘We have seen phenomenal work from all of those local authorities that have participated in this year’s Education Equality Index – and would like to extend huge congratulations to Merton Council for all of their achievements in continuing to fight against bullying and discrimination.’
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