Fairford Academy Barnehurst Achieves Centre of Excellence Status

September 3, 2026

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Fairford Academy Barnehurst has achieved IQM Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status in recognition of its deeply embedded culture of inclusion, belonging and opportunity. The assessment highlighted a school where relationships matter, every child is recognised and valued, and inclusion is woven through every aspect of school life. 

A Place Where Everyone Belongs 

Relationships matter at Fairford Academy underpinning everything they do with the Head of School describing the school as: “a place where the door is open to everyone and everyone belongs.” From the moment the school gate opens, pupils and families are welcomed by members of smiling and emotionally available staff, including the Senior Leadership Team. A unique and thoughtful gesture is the handwritten postcards every pupil receives from their teacher each holiday letting them know they are looking forward to seeing them. During the summer holidays, pupils receive a postcard from their new teacher. This reinforces the message that every child is recognised and a valued member of the Fairford community. Teachers and support staff spoke passionately and proudly about Fairford, describing their school as a place that is “safe,” “welcoming,” and “an oasis”. 

Inclusion Is Never a Bolt On 

There is a strong commitment to inclusion at Fairford Academy which is deeply embedded within every aspect of school life. Throughout the assessment, there was a clear consistency in the language used by all stakeholders when describing what inclusion means to them. The Executive Headteacher explained: “Inclusion is never a bolt on. It’s our culture here. We live it and breathe it. It’s what we do here at Fairford.” 

Outstanding Opportunities for Every Child 

A very special feature of Fairford Academy is its amazing Forest School provision led by their passionate and knowledgeable Forest School Lead. This incredible space includes a mud kitchen, fire pit, a musical area from recycled materials, along with a new log cabin.  All pupils attend sessions here where they get the opportunity to take risks through safe whittling and fire building and develop fine and gross motor skills through learning knot skills and using hammers, and tree climbing. They build teamwork, resilience, environmental responsibility and self-regulation.  

There is an emphasis on increasing pupils’ cultural capital, and the curriculum is enriched through a half termly trip or visitor. Pupils shared their most memorable experiences which included visits to the Tower of London and the Imperial War Museum and an Aboriginal storyteller. A wide range of extra-curricular clubs ensures pupils can pursue their interests with leaders closely monitoring participation, particularly for those entitled to the Pupil Premium Grant and with SEND, to ensure equality of opportunity. 

Support That Changes Lives 

Support for pupils’ wellbeing is a significant strength of the school and is exemplified by the development of its nurture provision. Run by the Academic Learning Mentor who has completed Nurture Accredited Training, this is a safe space for pupils experiencing trauma and with more complex Social Emotional Mental Health needs. Underpinned by the 6 principles of nurture, pupils spend their afternoons here where they continue to access a broad curriculum while developing the skills and confidence needed to thrive. The Academic Learning Mentor explained that the provision has led to noticeable improvements in pupils’ attendance, engagement and readiness to learn. 

Leaders have responded positively to the changing needs of the local community through the recent opening of a Specialist Resource Provision for pupils with Autism and SEMH needs. This will be renamed Verity House and has been designed as a ‘school within a school’, with pupils remaining members of the mainstream community and accessing learning across both provisions where appropriate. 

Excellence Every Day 

Fairford Academy has developed a bespoke, ambitious and highly engaging curriculum which provides ‘Excellence Every Day’. Fairford Academy effectively delivers their inclusive curriculum through a research based pedagogy, high expectations, and adaptive teaching. Staff are well equipped and highly skilled to meet all the needs of the pupils in their classroom and there is a secure understanding of adaptive teaching across the school. The Trust’s approach to support pupils with additional needs is underpinned by the principle of ‘provision not people’. Therefore, Teaching Assistants are deployed to add value to what teachers do, not to replace them. 

A School Where Every Child Is Recognised and Valued 

The partnership Fairford Academy has with its parents, carers and guardians is a notable strength and there is a deep commitment to ensure all families feel listened to, included and valued. Parents spoken to during the IQM day were extremely positive about the school. They described teachers as approachable, supportive and responsive, commenting that they “listen and come back to us immediately” and “make time to speak to me.” Parents feel able to “open up and speak without being judged”. 

Find Out More About IQM 

If your school is interested in achieving 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.