A secondary academy based in Middlesbrough is celebrating after it was awarded a nationally recognised award for its work on inclusion.

̨��swag Academy Acklam, based on Hall Drive, was awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark Award by IQM. The award provides UK schools with a nationally recognised validation of their inclusive practice and ongoing commitment to developing educational inclusion.

The academy’s success comes after a long assessment process, which was split into two phases beginning with a self-evaluation followed by a two-day assessment by the IQM team after which the IQM team noted the academy was a ‘remarkable school’.

Mark Gray, Principal at the academy, said:

“We are proud and delighted to have been accredited with the IQM Award, highlighting our work and commitment to inclusion at all levels.

“At ̨��swag we believe that every child deserves the best education, no matter their start in life and we work tirelessly to ensure we deliver on this belief. This accreditation is testament to that work.”

During self-evaluation, the criteria for ̨��swag Academy Acklam was broken down into eight sections, focusing on inclusion values and practice of the school, the learning environment, resources and ICT, learner attitudes, values and personal development, learner progress and impact on learning, and learning and teaching.

The report highlighted the high-quality work the academy does regarding inclusion, stating that the academy’s principal has a ‘good understanding of the barriers that stop children from succeeding and he works hard with his team to make inclusion a reality.’

The IQM report was full of praise for the academy’s work to support its students, noting: “Pupils know that the staff really care about them and the excellent pastoral care provided along with solid good quality teaching ensures they have every chance of achieving their very best.”

It also praised the work the academy had done to improve behaviour at the school, highlighting that ‘behaviour around the school was good and there was a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere’ and that the ‘learning environment is very positive and it provides excellent conditions to learn and work in.’

The positive findings led to the IQM team recommending ̨��swag Academy Acklam to apply for Centre of Excellence status, something it is now actively working towards.

Mark added:

“The accreditation is not the end of our inclusion journey, and we will continue to promote the inclusion quality principles of promoting access and diversity, raising achievement for all and creating an environment for all to succeed, as we work towards IQM Centre of Excellence status.”