British values

At Horizons Academy, we prepare pupils for life in modern Britain by promoting respect, responsibility, and inclusion. British values are not taught as a separate subject — they are woven through our curriculum, enrichment, and daily routines, helping every learner grow into a confident and considerate young person.

The five British values are: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Our intent

We want every learner to:

  • Develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility
  • Understand their rights, freedoms, and responsibilities
  • Learn how to respect and value others, even when views differ
  • Be prepared to live and thrive in a modern and diverse society

Our Implementation

We embed British values through:

  • Democracy – pupils have their voices heard via student council, surveys, and restorative conversations; They help shape enrichment, school life, and charity events
  • The rule of law – clear routines and restorative approaches help pupils understand why rules matter; Visitors from the police, fire service, and community groups reinforce this
  • Individual liberty – learners are encouraged to make positive choices in a safe environment; PSHE, RE, and online safety lessons teach rights, responsibilities, and safe decision-making
  • Mutual respect – the horizons habits (respectful, brave, kind, resilient) guide daily interactions; Respect is taught, modelled, and celebrated through assemblies and curriculum
  • Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs – pupils explore different cultures and perspectives through RE, PSHE, enrichment days, and curriculum links (history, ICT, citizenship); Prejudice is challenged openly and restoratively

Our impact

We know our approach is working when learners:

  • Show respect and kindness towards others
  • Express their views with confidence, while listening to different perspectives
  • Understand the importance of rules and routines for keeping everyone safe
  • Take pride in their own identity while valuing diversity in others
  • Are prepared to make a positive contribution to their community and to life in modern Britain

Why this matters?

For many of our learners, understanding their place in society and building respectful relationships is just as important as academic progress. By embedding British values across the curriculum and daily life, we ensure Horizons Academy pupils leave ready to contribute positively to their communities and to life in modern Britain.