Alia National School achieves the IQM International Centre of Excellence Award

September 21, 2026

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Alia National School in Bahrain has been awarded the IQM International Centre of Excellence award, recognising its commitment to ensuring high-quality education for all students.

Inclusion lives in the routines, interactions and culture

Alia National School is recognised as a pioneering inclusive school in Bahrain, with over twenty years of commitment to ensuring high-quality education for all students. The school has developed a strong reputation for its nurturing, child-centred, and inclusive ethos. Inclusion is deeply embedded across all aspects of school life and is reflected in leadership, teaching and learning, wellbeing, curriculum, and community engagement.

Inclusion at Alia National School is visible every day. In a typical day you will see adaptive teaching, differentiated materials, visual supports, calm corners, sensory tools, and collaborative learning. The shadow teachers’ focus is on promoting independence, not dependence. Most importantly, you will see students fully engaged in lessons, or in small groups, and building strong relationships with other students. Inclusion lives in the routines, the interactions, and the culture of the school.

A continuum of inclusive support

The school theme, “a Continuum of Inclusive Support”, reflects their belief that inclusion is not a place or a programme, but a pathway that adapts to each individual student. Students are supported through differentiated instruction, targeted interventions, and thoughtful classroom adaptations that ensure equitable access to learning.

The Alia student journey begins with Early Intervention. This is the foundation of the inclusive model and many of the students start their journey with intensive support. This is delivered through communication development, behavioural intervention, and school readiness. As they grow, they transition from one-to-one support to small groups, and eventually into structured readiness programs. This early foundation ensures that inclusion begins long before a child enters a classroom. It is a continuum that supports each child at the level they need. It fully supports the motto of, “we do not believe in one placement fitting all students.”

At the heart of the Alia approach is a flexible, responsive continuum. Students move between stages based on their needs, strengths, and readiness. There is no single placement that fits all learners. The model integrates therapeutic support, individualised planning, shadow support, adaptive teaching, and a strong focus on independence.

Supporting students towards independence

The school aims for students to make the highest levels of progress possible, and it is committed to measuring the impact of its initiatives. Leaders track IEP progress, literacy growth, behaviour improvements, independence gains and student participation levels. They identify any reductions in prompts, increased task completion, improved communication and stronger social interaction. The focus is not only on providing student support but on ensuring that support leads to meaningful, observable progress.

The SENDCos shared three very successful case studies demonstrating where students had joined the school but as they had progressed through the grades, the shadow teacher support had reduced. With all three examples, all of the support had been removed, and the students had progressed to become fully independent learners. Two of the examples also showed that when the intervention had been removed the students had progressed an extra whole grade, as learning and progress was so high.

The leaders believe their “ultimate goal is to have student independence.” They work intentionally to reduce prompts, build self-regulation, and strengthen student voice. The shadow teachers gradually step back as students step forward. The school celebrates every student milestone, from completing a task independently to advocating for their own needs.

A culture of belonging

The school demonstrates exceptional strengths in fostering a culture of belonging, respect, and aspiration. Students maintain a clear and ambitious vision that prioritises inclusion, academic outcomes, safeguarding, and holistic development. Strong governance structures and collaborative leadership ensure that inclusive values are consistently translated into effective practice.

Students also spoke positively about their experience, saying, “everyone knows everyone and everyone is so understanding of different students’ needs. We are fully appreciative that students come from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds, yet we all have a real sense of belonging to the Alia culture.”

The school celebrates achievement across academic, social, creative, and personal areas and there is a clear relationship between reinforcing confidence and belonging. Students are very proud of their achievements and speak of recent successes in spelling bee, sporting, and debating competitions.

Inclusion extends beyond the classroom

The community and vocational pathways are strong, and the support clearly is, “inclusion extends beyond the classroom.” This happens through Halla by Alia, community partnerships, and vocational programs, where students gain real-world experience. They participate in on-the-job training, community visits, and workplace exposure. These experiences build confidence, independence, and readiness for adult life.

The school is currently developing partnerships with Bahrain Polytechnic, Ahlia University and Bahrain Teacher College. Internships are in place and are successful, particularly in the local supermarkets.

Alia National School has strong partnerships with families, external specialists, local and international organisations, and the school continues to strengthen its inclusive provision and position itself as a leading model of inclusive education within Bahrain and beyond.

Find Out More About IQM

If your school is interested in achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award, contact the IQM team on 028 7127 7857 or email admin@iqmaward.com.

To find out more about IQM and request a free information pack, visit www.iqmaward.com.