In November 2014, the Department for Education instructed all schools to promote ‘British values’ and produced advice for doing so through pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC).

Ofsted wants to see a school ethos and climate that promotes ‘British values’ at every level. Inspectors assess “British values” through SMSC, the curriculum and school leadership and pay a lot of attention to SMSC when deciding whether your school is ‘outstanding’, ‘inadequate’ or somewhere in between.

The social development of pupils is shown by their: acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; the pupils need to develop and be able to demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

Inspectors will consider: how the school prepares pupils positively for life in modern Britain and promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.