E-ACT The Oldham Academy North Achieves IQM Inclusive School Award

August 24, 2026

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Congratulations to everyone at E-ACT The Oldham Academy North for achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award. Underpinned by highly detailed structures and processes, such care enables every member of the academy to thrive. Inclusivity lies at the heart of the academy and it is clear that the eight elements of the Inclusion Quality Mark’s Inclusive School Award are alive across every thread of academy life. 

Exceptional Education Delivered

E-Act The Oldham Academy North delivers an exceptional educational experience for its students, within its highly inclusive community. From the welcome in Year 7 to support for post-16 options, an aspirational yet nurturing approach is extended to every student and their family. The recently appointed Headteacher is determined to achieve “exceptional outcomes in exceptional circumstances.”  

Progress Through Passion 

The Headteacher is extremely proud of the progress made by all students who enter the academy with below average results and make incredible progress. It is now the highest performing secondary school in the local authority for its Progress 8 scores. According to the Headteacher, “the academy is what it is due to all its staff in whatever role.” Built on the premise of ‘high expectations, high awards’, a large number of staff share their expertise across the Trust including Safeguarding, Transition and Art. Balancing experienced staff with the enthusiasm of early career teachers, the Headteacher is proud to lead a team of “passionate experts committed to the academy.”  

Welcoming Every Student  

Inclusion is woven through every process, ensuring that everyone is welcomed and enabled to succeed. Each step of the excellent transition programme for new to Year 7 students, for example, has been sensitively planned to show every child and their parents that they are valued. Handwritten cards are sent to new students on receiving their offer of a place at the academy, wishing them well in their Year 6 SATs and outlining important dates for visiting the academy.   

Strengths Beyond Classrooms  

The curriculum is broad and enables students to find their strengths. Whilst a higher number than the national average achieve the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), a successful Creative Arts department offers art, drama, music and photography. The annual production engages students across the academy to participate and the new Music teacher is keen to develop the choir. In addition, a huge range of extra-curricular opportunities enables students to develop interests and life skills for the future, such as the Debate Club.  

Every Brain Celebrated  

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) belong firmly with the teaching and learning team which has really helped accelerate SEND progress. One student who is supported by the SEND staff delivered an enthusiastic presentation about the team. ‘All brains celebrated here’ their slides proclaimed, and “Keep trying – achieve together.’ The student spoke engagingly about liking the staff, enjoying visits to the SEND office and appreciating their reward chart. It was a wonderfully passionate advocacy for the academy. 

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.