Protected characteristics
The nine characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
- Used in
- England, Wales, Scotland
- Topic
- Policy and law
Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.
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Related terms
- Equality Act 2010 England Wales Scotland
- The law in Great Britain that protects people from discrimination on the grounds of protected characteristics, including in schools.
More terms: Policy and law
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Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.