THE RAINBOW flag was well and truly flying at Woodbridge High School for its LGBT week.

Over 250,000 students and teachers across the country took part in Schools Diversity Week (July 3 to 7) to celebrate their LGBT peers, and tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying.

The initiative was set up by charities Just Like Us and Stonewall in partnership with the Department for Education to make sure lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pupils feel safe inside and outside the classroom.

At the school in St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green, that meant rainbow-themed football matches, debates on gender neutral uniforms, queer theory, and its very own Pride festival.

Ex-pupils from the LGBT community were invited back to talk about their experiences, as well as Education Secretary Justine Greening and Ilford North MP Wes Streeting.

Speaking after her visit Mrs Greening said: “It was the best thing I’ve done in many, many a year.

“I think it would’ve been really helpful for people like me growing up.

“It was fantastic to visit Woodbridge and see all their exciting activities for LGBT week – I wore their diversity wristband at Pride in London this weekend.”

She added: “Bullying can have such a damaging impact on young people’s lives and the positivity of these celebrations should not be underestimated.

“By accepting and respecting others’ individuality, these students are sowing the seeds for a fairer and more equal society.”

Students from Beal and Ilford County High School visited Woodbridge to join in the celebrations, which pupil Aeryn White said made her feel “accepted, supported, and confident enough to feel open being who I am.”

Head teacher Andrew Beaumont said he was “delighted” Mrs Greening and Mr Streeting could join them and praised the school for being “truly inclusive”.

Mr Streeting added: “There is still so much to do to make schools a safe and welcoming place for LGBT students, so it’s great to see Woodbridge taking the lead by setting such a high bar for other schools to follow.”