Inclusive School Award
Discover what the Inclusive School Award is, how to achieve it, how long it lasts, and the benefits it brings.
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What is the Inclusive School Award?
The Inclusive School Award is the foundation of IQM's accreditation framework, designed to help schools embed excellence in inclusion within schools, strengthen SEND support, and create genuinely inclusive learning environments and inclusive classrooms.
The Inclusive School Award recognises schools that demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusion at every level.
It celebrates settings where policies, teaching strategies, and school culture ensure that every pupil, whatever their background, needs, or abilities, can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The award applies to both mainstream and special schools, reflecting their ability to deliver high-quality SEND support, promote equality of opportunity, and sustain inclusive learning for all. This is not just about meeting statutory obligations. It's about cultivating an ethos that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.
We are thrilled with our ever-growing presence internationally. If you'd like more information on the International Inclusive School Award, follow the link below.
How do you achieve Inclusive School Award status?
To achieve the award, schools undergo a rigorous evaluation process against IQM's nationally recognised framework.
Evidence is gathered across key areas including leadership, teaching, curriculum, environment, and pupil outcomes.
Schools must demonstrate how they create inclusive classrooms, adapt teaching for a wide range of needs, and provide targeted support that helps all pupils to progress.
The process is collaborative and developmental, giving school leaders a clear roadmap for enhancing inclusion within schools and embedding inclusive learning practices that last.
Some schools meet the criteria for Centre of Excellence during their initial assessment, meaning they can progress straight to this level.
How long does the Inclusive School Award last for?
Once achieved, the Inclusive School Award is valid for three years. At the end of this period, schools undergo a renewal assessment to ensure that their inclusive classrooms and SEND support continue to meet the high standards required.
The three-year cycle encourages schools to sustain and build on their inclusive learning approach, embedding it into every aspect of school life.
Many schools use this renewal as an opportunity to progress to IQM's Centre of Excellence status, which reflects not just consistency but also innovation and leadership in inclusion within schools.
This tiered progression ensures that the ethos of inclusion continues to evolve, responding to changes in pupil needs, curriculum demands, and community contexts.
Inclusive School Award Cost
We have a standard price for UK Inclusive School Awards, Centre of Excellence and Flagship School Status.
The cost for assessment takes into consideration the size of your school, among other factors.
School with:
1 - 400 Students
1-Day Assessment
£1,450
School with:
401 - 2,000 Students
2-Day Assessment
£2,350
* Please note pricing is excluding expenses and VAT
Subject to change
Process
Our process is designed to be self-evaluative and school driven.
Schools are given support and direction from our inclusion experts.
Evaluative Framework
IQM's Evaluative Framework ensures consistency in how inclusion within schools is measured against specific criteria.
What are the benefits of the Inclusive School Award?
Achieving the Inclusive School Award delivers tangible benefits for pupils, staff, and the wider school community. First and foremost, it embeds a culture of inclusion within schools where every child feels valued and supported. By adopting the award's principles, schools strengthen their support systems, ensuring pupils with additional needs have equal access to high-quality education.
For teachers, the award framework provides practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms that meet diverse learning needs. This results in more effective inclusive learning experiences, with teaching adapted to enable all pupils to reach their potential. Leaders benefit from the structured approach to self-evaluation, which supports strategic planning and improves accountability to stakeholders, including governors, parents, and inspection bodies.
The award also strengthens community trust. Parents see a clear commitment to their child's inclusion and progress, while external partners recognise the school's dedication to equality. In a time of increasing complexity in pupil needs, the award helps schools adapt and respond effectively, ensuring no child is left behind.
Schools in Multi-Academy Trusts gain the added advantage of consistency, ensuring inclusion within schools across the network is aligned, measurable, and sustainable. Local Authorities also see the award as a mark of excellence, using it to identify and share good practice.
By focusing on inclusive learning and evidence-based practice, the award fosters long-term cultural change. Teachers develop deeper understanding and skills in delivering SEND support; leaders build systems that make inclusive classrooms the norm, not the exception.
Ultimately, the Inclusive School Award equips schools to meet the challenges of today's education landscape by driving continuous improvement, raising aspirations, and ensuring every pupil can flourish.
School Stories
Take a look at some of our recent IQM-accredited schools and their journey towards achieving and sustaining excellence in inclusion.
Make Inclusion Matter
FAQs
A nationally and internationally recognised accreditation that celebrates and supports outstanding inclusive practice in schools.
The average time for schools to complete the award is two terms, though timescales vary depending on readiness and chosen award level.
Yes - we work with schools in the UAE, Europe, and beyond, adapting our assessments to different curricula and cultural contexts.
Pricing information can be found on each award page. The cost of a school's registration is £299.50 + VAT. This is renewed every 3 years. The cost for Flagship and Centre of Excellence are UK prices.
No - while SEND is a core focus, IQM covers all aspects of inclusion, from diversity and equity to staff culture and community engagement.
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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