Exceeding Expectations – the schools project which tackles the issue of homophobic bullying in Manchester schools' – is back to say no to homophobia this Anti Bullying Week (Monday 16 November – Friday 20 November).

Last month, the homophobic attack on the off duty gay police officer James Parkes in Liverpool highlighted the serious issue of homophobia in the UK. James, 22, was attacked by up to 20 teenagers, who left him with multiple skull fractures. All of James’ attackers were either in or had recently left the UK education system.

Now, more than ever, projects like Exceeding Expectations are needed in schools; to encourage understanding, change attitudes and challenge homophobia.

Exceeding Expectations will be in Manchester schools for the next two weeks, working with education professionals and pupils to highlight the importance of taking a zero tolerance approach to homophobic bullying.

One of the most well received parts of the project is the Exceeding Expectations play OUTLOUD, which is inspired by real life stories of young people’s experiences of homophobia. In time for Anti-Bullying Week, the new look play also explores the events in Liverpool after the attack on James Parkes.

Paul Martin, Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, one of the partners involved in Exceeding Expectations, said:  “Increasingly, those responsible for homophobic attacks are of school age or have recently left school. What message is being sent to them that it is acceptable to attack others because they may be different? This is why Exceeding Expectations is vital.

“Also, it is important to remember that it isn’t just lesbian, gay and bisexual young people who are affected by homophobic bullying – it affects their friends, family, and the wider community too. Through Exceeding Expectations it is time to support those young people who until now have had nowhere to turn.”

Cllr Sheila Newman, Executive Member for Children’s Services, at  Manchester City Council added:  “Only through effective education can we overcome prejudice of any kind – including homophobia. This is sometimes an issue schools find difficult to address and the work being done through Exceeding Expectations is really valuable and helps greatly with this.”

Exceeding Expectations has been working with Manchester schools for the last three years, and with great success. In schools that Exceeding Expectations revisited in late 2008, 8 in 10 pupils understood the term homophobia compared with 2 in 10 in early 2008, and 7 in 10 pupils thought it would be safe to come out at school compared with 3 in 10 earlier in the year.

For more information on Exceeding Expectations contact: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk