Leading The Way In Celebrating Cultural Diversity

PA Receives The Diamond Award From SSAT

Paddington Academy is celebrating after achieving the Cultural Diversity Diamond Award. 

The Award, which is given by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT), recognises the academy’s success in promoting community cohesion. 

Last year the academy was awarded the Gold Award, but surpassed itself this year achieving the more prestigious Diamond Award. 

The award was given following an assessment from the SSAT.  Assessors gave the academy a sparkling report in which they highly praised “the impressive work undertaken by Paddington Academy to celebrate cultural diversity, and of the exemplary work undertaken to value the culture, background and linguistic heritage of every young person.” 

They said: “It is clear how your ethos and approach is making a difference to the outcomes for your students and is an achievement worthy of this level of recognition.The school tries to take every opportunity to celebrate, explore and promote awareness and understanding of other cultures in all areas.  Since achieving the Gold Award the school has continued to actively seek opportunities to promote cultural diversity within the curriculum.” 

Oli Tomlinson, Principal of Paddington Academy, said: “This is brilliant news and is testament to the welcoming, tolerant and thriving community that we have created at PA. We are very proud to welcome children from so many different backgrounds and delight in the contribution each student makes to our academy community. 

As the assessors found, we are always looking for opportunities to promote our cultural diversity and not a day goes by at the academy when we are not celebrating each others’ cultures.  Whether it is Diwali, Eid or Christmas, there is always a special activity taking place giving our students the opportunity to experience other faiths and cultures.”

Paddington Academy welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds.  Students come from over 62 different backgrounds and there are approximately 45 different languages spoken by students and staff within the academy.