British Values
Education is all about building respectful, inclusive communities where every individual can achieve their best.
Fostering responsible citizens
British Values are defined by the Department of Education (DfE). They underpin everything we do, and help us create a college culture based on mutual respect. They include:
- Democracy
- Individual Liberty
- The Rule of Law
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs.
Like the My College Advantage, these are embedded into your learning throughout your time at college.
Democracy
We value every voice. Democracy means having a say, whether it’s through national elections, student council, or class discussions. We encourage all students to take part in decision-making and understand how democratic systems shape our society.
Individual Liberty
We support your freedom to be you. With us, you have the freedom to make your own choices, in your learning, your beliefs, your goals, and your life. We promote a safe, supportive environment where you can express yourself and grow with confidence.
The Rule of Law
We believe in fairness and accountability. Everyone is expected to follow clear rules and policies, just as society relies on laws to protect us all. We help students understand why laws exist and how they support a safe and just society.
Mutual Respect
We treat others with kindness and understanding.
Whether in the classroom or the wider college community, we encourage respectful dialogue and appreciation for different opinions, even when we don’t always agree.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We celebrate diversity. Our college is home to people of many different backgrounds, cultures, and religions. We promote open-mindedness, encourage interfaith understanding, and stand firmly against prejudice or discrimination in any form.
The UCS College Group Advantage
Complementary to our focus on British Values, the My College Advantage is core to Taunton College’s identity and supports learning, opening minds, and ensuring we all remain inquisitive throughout our lives.
Bringing British Values to Life
British Values are more than just concepts, they are embedded in our everyday life. You’ll see them reflected in:
- Tutorials and enrichment activities
- Classroom discussions and debates
- Student voice and leadership opportunities
- Equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Respectful relationships across our whole community.
Whether you’re voting in a student election or simply showing kindness to others, you’re helping to build a stronger, fairer, and more connected college community.
Becoming an active member of society
By promoting British Values, we aim to help all students become active, responsible citizens. This is important because it:
- Ensures that policy and decision-making is representative of and responsive to the needs and unique perspectives of the entire population, including younger generations.
- Cultivates a lifelong habit of civic engagement (like voting, volunteering, and advocacy), which is essential for a stable and functioning democracy.
- Provides a longer-term perspective on issues (like climate change, education, and social policy), making solutions more sustainable and future-proof.
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Come and see what makes Taunton College unique. Meet tutors, explore our college, and find the right path for you.
Our Professional Expectations set out what you can expect from us, and what we ask from you in return, so we can all achieve success together.
Sustainability is a shared responsibility. That’s why we’re working hard to reduce our environmental impact and embed sustainable thinking into the way we learn and work.
We celebrate the rich diversity of our college community and work hard to ensure that every person is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.