Hopefields School Achieves Centre of Excellence Status

November 6, 2023

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Hopefields School has achieved has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.

Transform the Life Chances of Young People

Hopefields is a special place. The staff share a common purpose to transform the life chances of the young people at Hopefields and, in the words of the Headteacher, “disrupt the system within the confines of the system”.  Hopefields certainly does it their own way and, as a result, all staff, parents and young people thrive in a place where they truly belong.  Many students who arrive at Hopefields have had a disrupted education, some have been permanently excluded and others have had extended absences from school.

Hopefields School transforms these students through well planned interventions and a therapeutic approach which all staff are well trained in.  Hopefields is situated in Middlesbrough’s newest industrial estate, the heart of Middlesbrough’s second industrial revolution.  This is a symbolic place to situate a school, Middlesbrough’s regeneration depends on an upskilled workforce able to take on the new jobs this estate produces.  Hopefields represents a way of doing education differently, without lowering standards of expectations.  

Humble Beginnings  

Hopefields School was created by Emily Greenhalgh and Alison Laws who recognised that the local area lacked meaningful, knowledge-rich provision for young people with additional needs.  The directors established a Community Interest Company (CiC) and began to offer provision for young people in the Tees Valley. 

From humble beginnings, Hopefields School has grown into a formidable provision which is now oversubscribed and demand continues to increase.  There are currently 35 learners on roll and the school caters for young people aged 11-18.  The primary need is social, emotional and/or mental health however, the school never limits itself and the focus is on meeting the needs of each individual rather than formal designations.  

The school is led by the Headteacher, Emily who also acts as a director.  She is supported in leading Hopefields by Alison who is the second director and Head of Operations. There are two Assistant Principals who come with a wealth of experience of alternative provision and mainstream education.  The leadership team is united in their common goal.  The vision of the school permeates every aspect of the building.  Every member of staff articulates the vision with clarity and passion.  This flows from a dedicated leadership team who believe passionately in the mission they are undertaking.  

Broad Curriculum 

Learners benefit from a broad curriculum that is taught in an ‘stage not age’ approach. Teachers skilfully differentiate the curriculum so that it is accessible and students experience success in every lesson.  The aim for all learners at Hopefields is to enhance opportunities and to progress educationally on an accredited course, accelerating academic progress.  As such, the curriculum is created to address gaps in learning and support young people to move on with their life by becoming good, disciplined and empathetic citizens.

The Headteacher is formidable.  She is unrelenting in her drive to secure the very best life chances for all young people at Hopefields.  She refuses to lower her standards for her learners, she said “our expectation is that our young people are exemplary”.  This view flows through the school.  Staff model this in lessons and expect it of all young people, as such young people are empowered to be the best version of themselves.  

Love Their School

Our Assessor added, “Pupils at Hopefields were keen to tell me that they love their school.  The young people are welcoming, dynamic and growing in confidence.  They talk openly about their experiences at Hopefields as being positive.  One young person said; “Hopefields is fun. They understand me a lot.  We are like a family”.  The family ethos is evident at lunchtime when staff and students sit together to eat.  The conversation is lively and it is clear the relationships between staff and students are strong.”

Find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award

If your school is interested in obtaining the IQM Inclusive School Award or you wish to talk to a member of the IQM team please telephone:

028 7127 7857 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
or email: admin@iqmaward.com for further details.

Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack.

• Our inaugural National Inclusion Conference will take place on the 27^th November, for further details click here.