Doon Academy is one of four East Ayrshire secondary schools engaging in a programme designed to support the LGBTQ+ community.

The LGBT Charter scheme is a programme which provides schools and organisations with training to challenge prejudice and ensure that equality and diversity is at the heart of the school.

In total four of East Ayrshire’s secondary education providers have either been awarded charter status or are actively working towards it with the support of the awarding body, LGBT Youth Scotland.

The Chronicle has reported in the past about the work being done at Doon Academy to be recognised as an LGBT Youth Scotland Gold status school.

This includes the second instalment of their recent 'Football v Homophobia' fun day, back in March.

READ MORE: Doon Academy take part in second 'Football v Homophobia' event

After this event, the school was closing in on its silver status.

Gaining Charter accreditation takes place over a 12-to-18-month period, during which institutions and organisations are guided step-by-step by expert LGBT Youth Scotland facilitators on training, policy, practice, promotional material and resources, and monitoring and evaluation

The most recent school to be awarded chartered status in the local authority area is Kilmarnock Academy, while Grange Academy and Willowbank School are also enrolled on the programme.

Ali Kerr, Head of Partnerships at LGBT Youth Scotland believes that the charter’s reach is a positive step for building a more inclusive Scotland and hopes to reach 75 per cent of secondary schools over the coming year.

She said: “These are formative years for young people and it’s vital that LGBTQ+ individuals are supported and that non-LGBTQ+ people feel equipped and inspired to champion inclusivity at every turn.

“Having half of East Ayrshire schools working in partnership with us and participating in our LGBT Charter shows that they are playing a key role in creating safe spaces for young LGBTQ+ people in Scotland.

“With over half of Scottish secondary schools participating, this represents a significant commitment from Scottish educators to LGBT inclusion.

"The job isn’t done though - we’d ideally love all of our secondary and further education providers to achieve charter status.”