Equality Act 2010

Equality Act 2010

2010 CHAPTER 15

Commentary on Sections

Part 6: Education

Chapter 1: Schools

Section 84: Application of this Chapter

Effect

290. This section provides that this Chapter of the Act, which prohibits discrimination, harassment and victimisation in the field of education in schools, does not apply to discrimination or harassment of people in those circumstances because of age or marriage and civil partnership.

Background

291. This replicates the position in previous legislation and in, addition, extends protection because of gender reassignment and pregnancy and maternity to pupils in schools.

Examples

• It is not unlawful discrimination for a school to organise a trip for pupils in one year group, but not for pupils in other years.

• It is not unlawful discrimination for a school to allow older pupils to have privileges for which younger pupils are not eligible, such as more choice of uniform or the right to leave school during the lunch period.