Our Evaluative Framework
Learn more about the Framework that underpins the Inclusion Quality Mark.
How it works
Once registered with IQM your school will be invited to complete the IQM Evaluative Framework.
The Evaluative Framework is an evidence-based tool designed to encourage a process of self-evaluation and improvement.
Support and feedback are provided throughout the process by the team at IQM.
Completed Framework documents will be referred to at assessment stage and must demonstrate that inclusion has as school-wide impact and is sustainable.
The 8 elements of the IQM Evaluative Framework
- Inclusion Values of the School
- Leadership, Management and Accountability
- Curriculum - Structure, Pupil Engagement and Adaptation
- Teaching and Learning - Learning Environment, Planning Resources and Pedagogy
- Assessment
- Behaviour, Attitudes to Learning and Personal Development
- Parents, Carers and Guardians
- Links with Local, Wider and Global Community
Our Process
The IQM Award process is designed to evaluate a school's inclusion ethos and the real impact on staff, pupils, and the wider community.
It's a reflective and strategic process, which is why not every school holds the accreditation.
Many school leaders are beginning to align their IQM journey with professional development goals, such as NPQH or NPQSL projects.
The IQM Awards
Inclusive
School Award
Join over 6,500 schools that have achieved or are working towards the Inclusive School Award.
This award level recognises commitment to creating an inclusive environment and provides a framework for continuous improvement.
Centre of
Excellence
Available for schools that have met the Inclusive School Award criteria and are ready for the next step.
Centre of Excellence schools have established, embedded inclusive practice, sharing expertise with other settings and benefit from additional IQM networking support & resources.
Flagship
School Status
Exceptional schools that have successfully maintained their Centre of Excellence status for over 3 years.
IQM Flagship schools have inclusive practice threaded throughout all they do. They are sector leaders in inclusion, innovative practice, and contribute to educational research.
Hear from IQM schools
Working with IQM has shown us how far we've come and how much more we can grow.
Sarra Ben Ammar, Principal, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Awal School, Abu Dhabi
Since our whole school community embarked upon our IQM journey from September 2023, inclusion, equality, embracing diversity and equity has become THE driving force that is central to all aspects of our school improvement.
Chris Davey, Executive Headteacher, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Liverpool
The word inclusion is used lots, and quite rightly so, but actually when you really unpick the layers of what inclusion means, I think the IQM audit is a really valuable tool to help you look at what strengths you have and ways forward.
Headteacher, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Wirral
The IQM has given practitioners at our resource provision a chance to reflect on what they are doing and make adjustments as needed. It also gives families and carers reassurance of the inclusive practice at the setting.
Mike Stapleton-Chambers, Head of Service, Deliver Better Values initiative at Halton Borough Council
Our journey with the Inclusion Quality Mark has been a powerful reflection of how far we've come, a celebration of our collective efforts, and the inclusive culture we've built together.
Esraa Jararaa, Head of Inclusion, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Awal School, Abu Dhabi
Being part of the cluster group is really important because people from other IQM Centres of Excellence and Flagship schools across the North West have come to our school and it's all about sharing best practice.
Chris Davey, Executive Headteacher, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Liverpool
At our school, inclusion isn't a policy or provision, it's a belief that every child belongs, every identity matters, and every learner shapes who we are and adds meaning to our community
Sarra Ben Ammar, Principal, Khalifa Bin Zaye Al Awal School, Abu Dhabi
It was very clear from the outset that those [assessment] days were there for us to celebrate and showcase all that we've achieved as a school.
Chris Davey, Executive Headteacher, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Liverpool
Inclusive education begins with the belief that every learner matters—and thrives when we teach not just to the class, but to each child within it.
Mike Stapleton-Chambers, Head of Service, Deliver Better Values initiative at Halton Borough Council
Inclusion starts and ends with culture. Building a culture that skyrockets children's self-esteem and motivation is like crafting the perfect recipe
Christopher Nourse, Executive Principal, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Awal School, Abu Dhabi
Being part of the cluster group is really important because people from other IQM Centres of Excellence and Flagship schools across the North West have come to our school and it’s all about sharing best practice.
Chris Davey, Executive Headteacher, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Liverpool
Make Inclusion Matter
About IQM
The only national award for inclusion in the UK, IQM has been committed to recognising exemplary inclusive schools for over 20 years and in over 20 countries around the world. The three awards allow schools and organisations to dcelebrate their inclusive practice against nationally recognised framework.
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