Gorse Hill Primary School has been awarded the nationally recognised IQM Inclusive School Award for the first time.
The Inclusive Quality Mark (IQM) is awarded to schools that can demonstrate the importance they place on inclusion and how they promote equal opportunities for all pupils, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, attainment and background.
Following an assessment, the IQM said the school had ‘demonstrated high levels of inclusion’ with pupils also ‘speaking with pride about the school and their achievements’.
A key point made in IQM’s report was that Gorse Hill continuously demonstrates an ability to supply an equal level education for all pupils at their school regardless of their ethnicity, gender or financial background.
Luke Graham, Principal of Gorse Hill Primary, said: “I feel exceptionally proud that our school has achieved the Inclusion Quality Mark. The assessment was professionally rigorous and I am delighted that it has recognised the continued improvements that we are making at Gorse Hill School, building on our recent ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement.“
“This accreditation is testament to our pupils, our community, colleagues within The White Horse Federation and our dedicated staff team, and I would like to thank them for all that they do to ensure that our school has the inclusive culture that it does.”
Since taking over the School in 2021 Principal Luke Graham has implemented numerous changes throughout the school which has resulted in the school recently being rewarded a Good rating from OFSTED. IQM also stated that the school was on a “journey of rapid improvement”.
It was also noted that staff at Gorse Hill have also made an active effort to make sure the school includes inclusive values. The reports sites “all staff share this inclusive and caring vision and work closely together with senior leaders and, increasingly, with families and the community to realise this ambition”.
Speaking about the achievement, Simon Cowley (Executive Director at The White Horse Federation) stated “Gorse Hill is a shining example of the excellent teaching present in The White Horse Federation. We are extremely proud of their achievement. Congratulations are in order for Luke Graham and the Gorse Hill team for their hard efforts and we look forward to them continuing their excellent work”.
