The specific duties placed on schools and institutions of further and higher education differ from the specific duties on other public authorities. There are also slightly different duties for education institutions and authorities in Scotland. 

You can find out more about specific duties for schools and the other educational institutions by clicking on the links below:

• Schools in England and Wales
• Schools in Scotland

• Institutions of further and higher education

• The employment duty: how it affects schools and educational institutions

Are independent or private schools subject to this duty?

The duty is imposed on the governing bodies of all maintained schools (community schools, foundation schools, voluntary aided and voluntary controlled schools). The requirement to meet the duty is also imposed on the governing bodies of City Technology Colleges, City Colleges for the Arts, City Colleges for Technology and City Academies.

Private or independent schools are not required to comply with the duty, although we strongly encourage them to do so since this will help them establish and maintain equality good practice. The Race Relations Act does require private and independent schools not to discriminate on racial grounds in terms of admissions, access to benefits or services, exclusions, and in the employment of staff.

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