STAFF and students at a school in Bournemouth have won an award for promoting equal opportunities to people from different backgrounds.

Avonbourne College, on Harewood Avenue, have been presented with the diamond accolade in the Cultural Diversity Quality Award, which recognises how well a school or college teaches students about internationalism.

Debbie Godfrey-Phaure, executive headteacher of Avonbourne Trust, said: "This award is of great importance to Avonbourne because it endorses our culture of mutual respect and our heartfelt belief that diversity and equality brings enrichment to everyone’s lives.

"The award is also a testament to the creative and innovative work that both staff and students do for, and within, their community.

"Our students are driven to make a positive difference to people’s lives and I can attest to the fact that they often do just that. I’m very proud of them and their dedication to the local and global community."

To achieve the award, the school's curriculum was looked at to see how much it focuses on cultural diversity and equality and how it enhances students' social, moral and spiritual education.

Avonbourne College's cultures, parent/carer involvement, its role in the community and how staff and governors are trained to be aware of cultural issues were also analysed.

Nicola Garratt, one of the award's assessors, said: "Students, staff and the local and wider communities clearly benefit from the holistic approach of the school towards internationalism, business and enterprise which promote diversity and equality at every opportunity.

"The school’s approach is an excellent example of quality in cultural diversity and the school is very aware that it cannot become complacent and so is constantly striving to seek new challenges and to ensure self-improvement."