Here are our top 10 ways to help make your school more gender equal. From the classroom to the sports pitch and your wider school community, we have signposted further information from organisations who are doing great work in this area.
The charity End Sexism in Schools draws a direct line between the invisibility of women in the literature boys read, and the sexual harassment they inflict on girls. Boys need to hear women’s voices, read and discuss women’s experiences, and learn to value and respect women’s contribution to literature, culture and history.
Only 5% of students studied a female authored text at GCSE in 2024. And we know from our own research with schools in the borough of Richmond that less than 30% texts studied from years 7-13 were authored by women and only 2% of plays read were written by female playwrights.
At GCSE, female authors accounted for only 13% of books studied. In fact, there is so little variety that only 2 schools in the Borough have studied a book other than Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” between 2020-2024.
The lack of diversity may even be hampering students’ overall academic progress as higher rates of female authored texts were correlated with higher rates of pupils achieving Grade 5 + at GCSE, and higher Progress 8 scores
End Sexism in Schools encourages teachers to review books and media across English and all areas of the curriculum to help create a culture and curriculum free of gender bias and gendered expectations.
Below is a link to some practical teaching tools which may help.
You can also check out our suggestions for other actions.
The charity Beyond Equality highlights that there is a need and opportunity in the UK to engage boys and men in a brave and transformative rethinking of what 'being a man' means for them and others.
We need to engage all boys and men in preventing gender based violence and creating communities that are safe for everyone. We need to give them the chance to develop identities and behaviours that are healthier for themselves and others.
Find out more about school workshops and teacher training run by Beyond Equality via the link below.
You can also check out our suggestions for other actions.
The need to engage girls in more active lifestyles has never been more urgent. This generation of teenage girls is experiencing worrying mental health issues and report being less happy, more anxious and increasingly dissatisfied with their appearance.
43% of girls drop out of sport in their teenage years – that equates to 1.3m in England alone.
It’s time to change the game, and make sure every girl feels like they belong in sport.
Follow the link to see what you can learn from the 8 principles for success by Women in Sport - from avoiding judgement to giving girls a voice.
You can also check out our suggestions for other actions.
Gender Action is an award programme which promotes and supports a whole-school approach to challenging stereotypes.
Gender stereotypes limit identities, experiences and life chances. Teachers can play a positive role in preventing gender stereotypes by challenging sexist language (using incidents as ‘teachable moments’), and reducing bias in the classroom.
Follow the link to see a handy guide from Gender Action to kickstart thinking on challenging biases and help break the cycle.
You can also check out our suggestions for other actions.
We know that not all men commit violence and abuse against women and girls, but all men can work to prevent violence against women and girls.
Seemingly ‘low-level’ acts of abuse such as cat calling, intrusive staring, sharing sexist jokes and not respecting women’s personal space all contribute to an environment that normalises sexism and misogyny. By challenging and rejecting harmful attitudes and behaviours, we can all contribute to an environment that is safer for women and girls.
White Ribbon is the leading charity in England and Wales engaging men and boys to prevent men’s violence against women and girls.
Richmond Council is a White Ribbon Accredited Organisation and encourages all organisations with which it works to get involved.
Follow the link to look into how your school can become a White Ribbon Supporter Organisation and take action to prevent violence against women and girls.
You can also check out our suggestions for other actions.
Students have a vital role to play in challenging sexism and bringing about positive change, both in school and in society at large. Kingston and Richmond Youth Council recently presented their findings on youth sexual harassment to headteachers.
Support students who want to run a campaign or set up a feminist group, and celebrate students who take positive action to promote equality between women and men.
Empower and enable your school council members to lead their own surveys on sexism and harassment in schools, and action suggestions made to prevent further damage.
UK Feminista campaigns for systemic change so that women and girls live free from sexism and violence.
Signpost students to UK Feminista’s student resources for ideas and guidance on taking action.
You can also check out our suggestions for other actions.
Young people starting secondary school will have already developed gender based expectations of academic preferences, perceived abilities and behaviours. Girls might well also be lacking belief in their capabilities, especially in Maths and Science.
The impact of a school ethos should not be underestimated. Schools can be pro-active in recognising that there are inherent barriers to all young people accessing the same opportunities. Schools are also well placed to encourage young people to recognise the external influences that affect those seemingly independent choices.
Learners should be able to choose subjects and activities based on their preferences and skills, rather than being guided by their gender.
Take forward some ideas from Education Scotland’s Improving Gender Balance Equalities action guide (scroll down the page for the section on Secondary schools)
You can also check out our suggestions for other actions.
It is only by tackling gender inequality at the whole-school level that a fundamental shift is possible. This requires the involvement of parents/carers to help children and young people challenge gender inequality in wider life and help open their eyes to the diversity and range of options available for their future.
Gender Action is an award programme which promotes and supports a whole-school approach to challenging stereotypes.
Get some new ideas for engaging with parents/carers from this handout from Gender Action.
You can also check out our suggestions for other actions.
Over a third (36.7%) of girls at mixed-sex secondary schools have been sexually harassed while at school.
Ensure your school has policies and procedures in place on sexual harassment and ensure students are aware of the school’s zero tolerance approach and know how to report incidents.
UK Feminista campaigns for systemic change so that women and girls live free from sexism and violence.
You can download classroom activities and template school policies from UK Feminista relating to sexual harassment.
You can also check out our suggestions for other actions.
Statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education requirements for schools were updated in July 2025. These place greater emphasis on misogyny, violence against women and girls and related factors, including the negative impact of pornography.
These new requirements don’t come in until September 2026 but schools are encouraged to start planning now.
It is important to create a safe space for students to discuss gender roles, stereotypes, and expectations.
Follow the link to watch/read a summary and short film from the PSHE Association to help you consider what the changes mean for you and your school and what your next steps should be.
You can also check out our suggestions for other actions.