Statement following protests at Anderton Park school

“As a council our priority will always be to stand up for the rights of all children, whoever they are and whatever kind of family they are from. This city is built upon diversity and we value and celebrate difference as a strength. All protected characteristics must be respected in all Birmingham schools. 

“We are extremely concerned at the protests that have been taking place outside Anderton Park School in recent weeks. Whilst we recognise some people may have concerns, protests of this nature only serve to attract extreme fringe movements taking an opportunity to further messages of division and hate. Where parents or carers have questions about equalities education, we encourage them to speak to the school to have constructive discussions.

“The most recent Ofsted inspection of Anderton Park school, published last year, stated that 'leaders ensure that democracy, equality and the rule of law are central to the school’s ethos. As a result, pupils are exceptionally well prepared for life in modern Britain'. 
 
“We will continue to support the headteacher and the wider Anderton Park community - as we would all head teachers and schools in the city - in the face of the protests taking place outside the school.”