Ashton Park School and Sixth Form Achieves Centre of Excellence Status

August 27, 2026

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Congratulations to Ashton Park School and Sixth Form on securing the IQM Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status. This recognition acknowledges the school’s dedication to building a nurturing and ambitious learning community in which every pupil is encouraged to reach their full potential. 

Growing Great Learners, Growing a Great Community 

Ashton Park School and Sixth Form serves a diverse community and the school’s vision, “Growing Great Learners, Growing a Great Community, Growing Great Leaders; we are the family community school in the South West where every person thrives and makes a positive impact on the wider world,” provides a clear framework for all aspects of its work and is understood by staff, students, governors, families and community partners alike.  

Inclusion at the Heart of School Life 

Throughout the assessment, it became evident that inclusion is not viewed as a separate initiative or area of responsibility. Rather, it is the thread that runs through strategic leadership, curriculum design, pastoral support, teaching, enrichment and community engagement. The school’s values of Respect, Determination and Community are evident not only in documentation but, more importantly, in the lived experiences of students and staff. Despite its size, Ashton Park has successfully created a culture where individuals feel known, valued and supported. Students, parents and staff repeatedly described the school as having a genuine “family feel”, a description that accurately reflects what was observed during the assessment.  

Supporting Every Student to Thrive 

A defining feature of Ashton Park is the quality of relationships that underpin all aspects of school life. Interactions between staff and students are characterised by warmth, authenticity and mutual respect. Students spoke confidently about belonging and consistently described adults as approachable, supportive and committed to their success. Staff demonstrated a deep understanding of the young people in their care and an unwavering determination to remove barriers to participation and achievement. This relational approach is not accidental; it is a deliberate and carefully cultivated aspect of the school’s culture and is central to many of the improvements the school has achieved in recent years.  

Leadership is thoughtful, reflective and values-driven. Leaders speak passionately about their community and demonstrate a strong moral purpose in ensuring that every student can access the opportunities they deserve. What is particularly impressive is the refusal to accept deficit thinking. Discussions consistently focused on solutions rather than limitations, with leaders viewing challenges as opportunities to innovate and strengthen provision.  

The breadth and quality of the school’s inclusive provision are exceptional. Students benefit from a curriculum that remains ambitious for all whilst incorporating thoughtful adaptations that enable successful participation. Equally strong is the personal development offer, which provides extensive opportunities for leadership, outdoor education, careers education, enrichment and community service. Particularly noteworthy is the school’s determination to ensure that these opportunities are genuinely accessible to all learners, including disadvantaged students and those with SEND.  

A School at the Heart of Its Community 

The school’s commitment to its community extends far beyond the classroom. Partnerships with South Bristol Youth, local primary schools, universities, charities, employers and community organisations significantly enrich the educational experiences available to students. Leaders have developed a school that sits at the heart of its community and actively contributes to its improvement. Community engagement is authentic rather than tokenistic, with students encouraged to become active citizens who understand the positive contribution they can make to society.  

Relationships with families are a significant strength. Parents spoke positively about communication, accessibility and the support provided by staff. The level of trust evident between the school and its community is impressive and has clearly been built over time through openness, consistency and genuine partnership. Families described a school that listens, responds and works collaboratively to ensure students achieve both academically and personally.  

Inclusion is not presented as a programme, intervention or strategic priority; it is simply the way Ashton Park operates. Whether observing lessons, speaking with students, meeting parents or discussing strategic leadership, there was a remarkable consistency in the messages shared. The school has successfully created an environment where aspiration is balanced with compassion, where high expectations coexist with strong support and where every member of the community is encouraged to thrive. 

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.