A Maldon school has become the only educational setting in Essex - and one of only four nationally - to achieve the highest award for supporting LGBTQ+ young people since the programme relaunched in March.

Plume Academy, on Fambridge Road, won the Stonewall School Champion Gold Award after being judged against six areas of practice - policies, curriculum, staff, supporting LGBTQ+ young people, whole academy approach and student voice.

The academy scored 68 out of 70 marks to secure the gold award, including full marks in five of the six areas of practice.

In its feedback to the academy, LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall said: "There is so much excellent practice here. Your policies are exemplary, and your student-facing policy is a brilliant example of how student voice can inform the development, monitoring and improvement of policies and the way those policies are implemented.

"It's really clear that LGBTQ+ inclusion is meaningfully planned into your curriculum at every key stage and across subject areas.

"Your lesson examples show really thoughtful work that's well planned and provides lots of opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding over time."

The Stonewall Awards, developed by an education and youth team, allows schools to benchmark their LGBTQ+ inclusion against the latest best practice.

Alison Ollett, LGBTQ+ strategy lead at Plume Academy, said she is "absolutely delighted" to see the school win the highest level of the award.

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She said: "It is a testament to the hard work of our whole school community and our shared commitment to tackling prejudice and celebrating diversity.

"This work is so important and we are delighted that we have developed our position to the forefront of best practice.

"Huge congratulations to all staff and students who have helped us achieve this fantastic award.

"At Plume Academy, we are wholly committed to continuing to improve our inclusion and celebration of LGBTQ+ people and identities."