What are fundamental British values?

Fundamental British values refer to the values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

‘Modern British values’ are sometimes referred to in Ofsted inspection reports, in relation to their promotion and the preparation of pupils for life in modern Britain.

In order to promote these values, schools should:

• Enable pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Enable pupils to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England.
• Encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely.
• Enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of, and respect for, public institutions and services in England.
• Strive to further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of, and respect for, their own culture and the culture of others.
• Encourage respect for other people.
• Encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.