LGBT+ Learners at MMHS

A message from the Head and Governors: 

At Matthew Moss, we are passionate about all learners feeling happy and safe within our community; their wellbeing is supported and their sense of identity is celebrated. We understand that for a young person to thrive, both academically and personally, they need to feel safe, welcome and appreciated for who they are. Like all characteristics protected by British law, our LGBT+ learners have the right to be treated with equality and respect.

Establishing an environment of acceptance and empathy for all is crucial in supporting the academic success of every learner at Matthew Moss.

Proud Trust Rainbow Flag Award

We are officially a Proud Trust Rainbow Flag school!

To further enrich the lives of our LGBT+ learners, MMHS has been working towards gaining the Proud Trust’s Rainbow Flag Award. 

We have compiled evidence proving that the experience of our LGBT+ learners is equal to that of all of our young people; all learners must feel welcome, celebrated and and supported in this school, and must feel that who they are is reflected in resources, policies and in everyday classroom practice. 

Achieving this accreditation certifies that, as a community, we have reached a nationally-recognised standard of support, inclusion and protection of identity for some of our more socially vulnerable learners. This award helps us to ensure that no child is left behind, no matter their identity. 

For more information on the award, visit: www.rainbowflagaward.co.uk

If you or your child would like further information or guidance, please visit: www.theproudtrust.org/

Awards Earned

As of August 2024, Matthew Moss High School has officially been recognised as a Proud Trust Rainbow Flag school after being awarded the final section of the award, Inclusive Curriculum. We have worked hard to earn all 6 Rainbow Flag Awards, Student Voice, Pastoral Support, Effective Policies, Supportive Governors & Parents, Skilled Teacher and Inclusive Curriculum. These awards stand as evidence of Matthew Moss’ dedication to being recognised as an LGBT+ aware and inclusive school.

MMHS LGBT+ Club

As part of the school’s ever-growing enrichment program, the LGBT+ Club was established in 2022. Supervised by staff, learners meet weekly in their own time to celebrate who they are, make new friends and build a community that supports one another. With resources provided by the Proud Trust, each session has a discussion topic, ranging from representation in the media to the origins of Pride Month. Learner voice from club members tells us that levels of confidence, self-worth and a sense of belonging have risen hugely, both outside and within the classroom. 

In February 2023, the group co-constructed a whole-school assembly focusing on the theme of allyship. Emphasising the Empathy element of the school’s CHANGE ethos, the assembly invited learners to show respect for  all identities and characteristics, whether based on gender, religion, race or sexuality, with a particular focus on the way LGBT+ learners can sometimes be made to feel in society. They were asked to show unconditional kindness to all peers and encouraged to support those that may be negatively targeted based on a protected characteristic.

Proud Trust Youth Summit

To celebrate Pride month, the LGBT+ Club attended the Proud Trust’s annual Youth Summit event at the impressive Kimpston Clocktower Hotel in Manchester.

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council and out lesbian, opened the event with a rousing speech, after which celebrated LGBT+ personalities, including activist Kenya Sterling, actor Nathaniel Hall and drag icon Cheddar Gorgeous, took part in an interactive and informative Q&A session with learners from over 50 schools and youth groups, some having travelled from as far as Wales and London.

Further collaborative activities followed, including a chance to have their say on what LGBT+ education might look like in schools, as well as a fun and exciting mock Pride Protest.

Learners came away from the day feeling energised and included, and it was obvious that their participation will have a lasting positive impact on their self-confidence. One learner even finished the day declaring “I’ve never felt so free!”

The Genderbread Person

To further support protected characteristics, the Genderbread Person is visible around the school.