Bury Grammar School Achieves IQM Flagship Award

August 20, 2026

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Bury Grammar School has achieved IQM Inclusive School Award with Flagship status in recognition of the school’s deeply embedded culture of inclusion and its determination to ensure that every pupil can thrive within a learning environment that reflects the experiences and aspirations of its community. 

A Warm Welcome and Ambitious Vision  

The opening message on Bury Grammar School’s website leads with ‘A very warm welcome,’ and this evident from the minute you arrive with pupils holding doors with a warm smile. Leaders talk ardently about how this is an ambitious and aspirational school and this was once again reinforced throughout the visit, in my discussions with all stakeholders. The Principal is passionate in her quest to ensure the school’s ‘pastoral care skilfully adapts to the needs of 21st century children,’ and is constantly reflecting on societal changes and the need to ensure pupils are fully aware of local, national and world issues and can tackle these in an informed and well-balanced way.   

Leaders are resolute in securing the absolute best experiences for every pupil and their drive to invest in inclusion is testament to their hard work and commitment. This culture of success, belonging and high expectation is palpable, and this was consistent during my discussions with staff, pupils, and their parents.  

Building Respect Through Community Partnerships  

The school has strengthened its links with local faith and community organisations. A Rabbi and Imam have worked closely with pupils and the wider community to promote messages around mutual respect, understanding difference, and ‘disagreeing agreeably.’ These messages have resonated strongly across the school and have contributed positively to the development of restorative approaches and respectful dialogue between pupils. Both leaders are due to return to school for further pupil-led question-and-answer sessions.   

Celebrating Diversity and Pupil Leadership  

The diversity of the school community is visible and celebrated throughout the school. Pupils collectively represent more than fifty languages, and this is reflected in displays and mapping projects led by the pupil EDI group, which continue to explore and celebrate pupils’ countries of origin and cultural heritage. Pupil leadership is a significant strength of the school. The EDI group has played an active role in shaping school culture, including planning and delivering Culture Day, which celebrated a broad range of identities, traditions, and experiences. Leaders reflected positively on the enthusiasm shown by pupils, particularly the way in which pupils actively taught and learned from one another. The event was pupil-led, with staff providing guidance and support, and resulted in a strong sense of pride, belonging, and community cohesion across the school. 

Pastoral Care at the Heart of School Life  

Pastoral care is a clear strength of the school and leaders spoke proudly of the work of form tutors and year teams, highlighting their proactive and reflective approach to supporting pupils. There is a strong emphasis on listening to pupil voice and continually refining provision to meet emerging needs. This culture of care is recognised and valued by parents, who spoke extremely positively about communication, relationships with staff, and the presence of senior leaders at the beginning and end of school.  

Overall, the school has created an inclusive and aspirational culture in which pupils feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to school life and the wider community. The strength of relationships, the authenticity of pupil voice, and the commitment to respectful dialogue are evident throughout all aspects of school life.  

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.