Birchills Church of England Community Academy Achieves IQM Inclusive School Award

August 14, 2026

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Inclusion In Action

Situated in an area of Walsall, Birchills Church of England Community Academy is a shining example of wonderful inclusive practice. There is a special ethos of profound authenticity with ‘children first’ being very much the driving mission statement that underpins everything that takes place in the academy.

Values Inspire Excellence

The academy vision, rooted in the Christian ethos, is ‘With God, all things are possible’ and this reflects the aspiration that staff have for all of the pupils that they care for. This vision is enhanced by the 6 core values of the school: ‘Respect, Friendship, Forgiveness, Justice, Perseverance, Service’ and the staff and community live out these values on a daily basis. The academy welcomes all pupils and their families with the same warmth, care and respect.

Proud Respectful Learners

The pupils at Birchills are absolutely wonderful. They are incredibly polite, respectful and caring towards one another and talked about their school with an infectious enthusiasm and genuine pride. They really appreciate the efforts that the staff make for them to help them in their learning and keep them safe. “The staff here care for us and they are always there if we need them” stated one pupil during a discussion with me. Another commented, “everyone here is respected and included.”

United Through Care

The staff present as a strongly united and happy team that value each other’s support and expertise. They recognise the efforts that senior leaders make for them to feel valued and included and the thoughtful provisions that are in place to ensure that their wellbeing is always considered. Several staff enthusiastically commented “we are like one big family.” Another staff member stated, “this is the only place I ever want to teach, and I don’t think I’ll ever leave.” Indeed, a lot of staff have worked at Birchills for many years, testimony to the special ‘family feel’ that exists here.

Support Beyond Expectations

Parents and carers appreciate the phenomenal level of support that their children receive at Birchills as well the support that they receive as parents. Parents that have children that attend the school with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities were unanimous in their praise for the school and the staff that have consistently gone ‘above and beyond’ to ensure support is in place for their children at Birchills.

Find Out More About IQM

The Inclusion Quality Mark provides schools with a nationally recognised framework for developing and celebrating inclusive practice.

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.