Horbury Academy in Wakefield, West Yorkshire has achieved the Inclusion Quality Mark’s Inclusive School Award
The Team Are Fully Committed
The leadership of Horbury Academy has ensured the Academy is committed to building a warm, welcoming, and truly inclusive environment for staff, students and the community around them. The leadership qualities of the principal, vice principal and SLT have played a major role in creating a school which engages with educational research and evidence to continually develop and progress. The Academy’s purpose to inspire students to be the best version of themselves is at the core of everything they do. Leaders are knowledgeable about their school and are very well organised.
The Academy Continues To Shine
The principal and vice principal are fully committed to ensuring Horbury Academy continues to grow for the benefit of its students and their futures. This passion for continuous school improvement shines through the relentlessness of the team. I was fortunate enough to observe an assembly where the principal’s belief in the students and commitment to them could be felt with every word. The principal reiterated her team’s commitment to supporting all students to succeed.
Staff Have Passion
The Accord Standards for Success has changed the narrative of staff, students and their families where it is ‘cool’ to succeed. The principal has led the school in a positive direction. When talking about the leadership of the Academy, staff talk with passion and admiration stating they feel listened to and valued. There is a genuine feeling of enthusiasm and passion for the young people of Horbury. The Chief Executive Officer’s vision of an inclusive Trust, whereby no one is alone, poured out from every staff member and pupil. There is a collaborative feel with everyone contributing to the vision and strategic direction of the school.
There Is A Clear Vision
The leaders are clear about the vision and next steps for the school. They have excellent reflective skills in their leadership wanting the best outcome for all students whatever their starting points. All staff are included and valued and buy into the vision. The values for achievement for all students are at the heart of the school.
There Is A Culture of Success
Leaders across the Academy engage with research informed practice to produce better outcomes for the pupils at Horbury Academy. The staff has bought into the culture of success and, as a result, the Accord Classroom Principles are evident throughout the school allowing greater consistency which aids better understanding for all pupils and greater outcomes. The Academy is a calm and purposeful place, conducive to both academic and personal growth.
Staff Know Their Students
Leaders talked with pride about their commitment to their students. Staff at Horbury Academy know their students and see that knowledge as their ‘superpower’ in ensuring they can support and challenge them to succeed. From enhanced transition at the start of Year six to progression into sixth form, the staff demonstrate their commitment to inclusive practices and their drive to ensure that every child can succeed at Horbury and beyond. Leaders demonstrate this commitment through no child being unknown to them, post 16. All children are accounted for, tracked, and monitored. This commitment to inclusion was reinforced during the learning walk. It was clear to see how the HUB Provisions are very much part of the school. Leaders have invested time and resources in ensuring the three HUB provisions are purposeful, safe learning spaces for students.
Diversity And Inclusion Are At The Forefront
The success of the HUB provision brings diversity and inclusion to the forefront. The Academy HUBS have been designed to support the development of all students with additional needs through their nurturing, but structured environment. Students at Horbury are described as having empathy for one another as well as their teachers and other adults in school. Students develop skills of empathy and understanding as well as acceptance. Diversity is celebrated in an environment where everyone can support and nurture each other.
Pupils Are Extremely Happy
The pupils are all extremely happy at Horbury Academy. Their comments about the Academy and the teachers reflected their love of the school. It was a pleasure to witness so many pupils from all age groups engaging with one another. Younger pupils were accepted and supported by their peers. It was a privilege to be trusted by the young people of Horbury Academy to listen to their individual journeys and how the staff at Horbury had ‘made them better people’. Pupils clearly have trust in the staff and the Academy and the strong leadership. This Academy is on an exciting journey with inclusion at the forefront of its journey and their successes will be celebrated in the future.
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: [email protected] for further details.
Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack</a