Highfields College Achieves IQM Flagship Award

August 18, 2026

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Highfields College has secured IQM Inclusive School Award Flagship status, recognising its outstanding inclusive practice and its unwavering focus on removing barriers, celebrating individuality and enabling every learner to succeed both academically and personally.

Relationships at the Heart of Everything

Highfields College continues to be an exceptionally inclusive provision, serving a diverse cohort of learners with a wide range of needs. The leadership of the Headteacher is inspirational and highly creative, based on a principled vision of the nature and possibilities of education. As he puts it, “relationship is the starting point of everything that we do,” and he has created a strong team of talented staff who continue to provide flexible and innovative provision in the best interests of young people. It is clear that the College takes every possible step to care for and engage learners, whatever their needs. Highfields does not give up on anyone and instead seeks to adapt and create provision to suit the individual. As the Director of SEND explained, “Highfields is always trying to meet the needs of the child.”

The Bridge: Building Confidence and Resilience

The Bridge Education Centre forms part of the off-site provision at Highfields College and provides a highly personalised and supportive environment for young people who have struggled to access mainstream education. Based within Brookfield House, the provision includes classrooms, a sensory room and specialist facilities designed to meet a wide range of needs. A personalised curriculum and development programme focuses on building resilience, confidence and social skills alongside academic learning. A “small steps” approach celebrates progress in manageable stages and allows individual targets to be adapted according to pupils’ needs. Emotional wellbeing is prioritised through shared dinners, guided social opportunities and outdoor learning experiences. The ultimate aim is to support pupils in successfully returning to mainstream full-time education whenever appropriate. The sensory curriculum at The Bridge has continued to develop, with creative activities tailored to pupils’ interests and strengths. Pupils are encouraged to pursue interests such as music and singing while also accessing ambitious academic opportunities, including appropriately adapted GCSE study.

Innovative Pathways for Success

Highfields College demonstrates a courageous and reflective approach to school improvement, continually reviewing provision to ensure it best meets the needs of learners. The College’s flexibility can be seen through programmes such as Partnership Places and Step Out provision, which provide targeted support for pupils while maintaining strong links with their home schools. Staff work diligently to identify and remove barriers to learning, helping pupils develop confidence, motivation and positive attitudes towards education. The close collaboration between Highfields College and local schools has led to successful reintegration for many students, while also reducing exclusion rates across the local area. Where appropriate, students are supported to remain at Highfields for the remainder of their education, ensuring that provision is tailored to individual circumstances and aspirations.

Education for Everyone

Highfields College continues to develop innovative ways of supporting learners who may not be able to access traditional educational settings. The STAR (Steps to Return and Access) programme was created to support students through highly personalised timetables, relationship-based approaches and close partnership working with families and external agencies. The College also provides home-based support for some learners, ensuring that education remains accessible during periods when attending a school setting may be difficult. Through a combination of specialist teachers, key workers and personalised programmes, pupils are supported to re-engage with learning and work towards positive futures. There is significant support for families, with staff working closely alongside parents and carers to build trust and strengthen relationships. Regular Open Days provide opportunities for families to visit the College, celebrate achievements and gain a deeper understanding of their children’s learning experiences. This strong partnership approach is a key factor in the success of Highfields College and its ability to support some of the most vulnerable young people within the community.

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.