Dear Parents & Carers,
Re: Leigh Academy Oaks Awarded by the IQM as a Centre of Excellence for Inclusion
I am proud to announce that Leigh Academy Oaks has been awarded the highly respected Centre of Excellence status by the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM), recognising the academy’s exceptional commitment to inclusive practice, pupil voice and exemplary support for all learners.
This award follows assessment in November 2025, during which the IQM Assessor celebrated the academy as “a haven for the community where children feel safe, valued and empowered to develop as individuals.” The report praised the academy’s committed ambition to ensure that “every child feels valued, is able to succeed and make progress.”
A Culture of Inclusion at Every Level:
The IQM report highlighted the academy’s deeply embedded inclusive values, evident from the moment pupils enter the building. Pupils described Leigh Academy Oaks as “a caring academy where we have a voice”, with our assessor noting that pupils of all abilities were “fully integrated and thriving within their class setting with adaptations available and accessible.”
Relationships across the community were described as a significant strength, with parents telling the assessor that early intervention had “transformed the experience of academy life for their children.” Staff echoed this, emphasising the academy’s relentless commitment to getting it “right for each child, from a place of care and love.”
Innovative Practice and Aspirational Leadership:
The showcase of inclusive practice was evident throughout teaching and learning. The academy’s inquiry-based curriculum, as an International Baccalaureate world authorised school, was described as “exciting to see in action”, giving pupils autonomy, flexibility and responsibility in their learning.
Our Assessor noted a “buzz of excitement in every class” with children proud to show their work, confidently using digital tools to enhance independence, and engaging in high-quality “conferencing”– a hallmark of the academy’s approach to communication, wellbeing and behaviour.
The report praised the exceptional strength of leadership, celebrating a staff team who “don’t rest” and a SENCo who sees her role as to “listen and support.” Staff training was described as “exceptional”, with adaptive practice evident in every classroom. Our assessor highlighted the Principal’s visible, compassionate and aspirational leadership style, with the assessor noting how “presence is key” and how leaders are consistently “out and about, on the playground, at the gate, celebrating success yet challenging when needed, so respect is mutual.”
Pupil Voice and Community Engagement:
One of the most celebrated features in the report was the academy’s pioneering Pupil Employment Scheme, with pupils proudly explaining the process of applying, interviewing and taking on roles such as reporters, photographers and play pals. Staff and pupils alike described the scheme as life-changing, with one child saying, “The academy helps us to have jobs so we know what adult life might be like.”
The academy’s strong partnership with families, local organisations and international connections—particularly through Starfish Malawi—were also commended, showing that pupils benefit from rich, real-world learning experiences.
An Academy to Be Proud Of:
The IQM Assessor summarised her findings by stating:
“I am of the opinion that the academy fully meets the standard required by the Inclusion Quality Mark. I recommend that the academy be awarded the Inclusive School Award and apply for Centre of Excellence status.”
Following the submission of required documentation, this status has now been confirmed by the Inclusion Quality Mark (UK).
As Principal, I am incredibly proud to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence for Inclusion. This award belongs to our entire community—our pupils, staff, families and partners—who work together every day to ensure every pupil is celebrated, supported and inspired to achieve their very best.
My sincere thanks are extended to Clare Sculley, our SENDCo, for her dedication and commitment to ensuring that pupils at Leigh Academy Oaks feel valued, succeed and make progress, navigating any potential barriers. My further gratitude extends to my staff, for their hard work and determination in striving to achieve the very same. Finally, I thank my pupils and you as parents and carers for your support and trust in Leigh Academy Oaks to provide the very best education for your child/ren.
Yours sincerely,
Mr L Coulson | Principal