A DORSET school is to introduce a “pioneering” programme that will address societal issues that contribute to gender inequality and gender-based violence.

Bryanston School in Blandford has partnered with Bold Voices, an independent campaigning and educational enterprise, and plans to extend its established ‘relationships and sex’ education courses for pupils by setting a new standard in gender-based equality and violence education.

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Commencing in September, the programme aims to engage and empower pupils and staff at the school, as well as parents, neighbouring schools and the local community.

The school recently invited Bold Voices founder Natasha Eeles to give a presentation and meet with current A2 pupils. She said: “My recent visit to Bryanston provided a great opportunity to explore and discuss the topic of gender-based violence with current sixth formers.

“We discussed the idea that sexual harassment and sexual violence targets people based on their gender and that an important step in changing this behaviour is to tackle the culture upon which it is built.

“To be able to raise such issues in the safety of a school environment is enormously powerful and positive. I can’t wait to get started.”