Montgomery Primary Academy has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Flagship status.
Beacon of Inclusivity
Montgomery Primary Academy is situated in the Sparkbrook area of central Birmingham. It is a larger than average Primary School and stands as a beacon of inclusivity within the heart of its community.
Most of the children attending the school come from ethnic minority backgrounds, and many have English as an Additional Language (EAL), and the area of Sparkbrook is considered one of the most deprived areas in the UK (EDACI). The percentage of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) is broadly in line with the national average of 18%.
The Academy describes its curriculum offer as exceptional. Children in all subjects are given the opportunity to reflect and think critically through a range of ‘big issue’ questions, related to the ambitious and well-planned curriculum, with vocabulary and reading opportunities created in a range of different spaces, both inside and outside the classroom. Children and teachers engage daily in regular discourse and debate and apply logic to these questions, using the reading and vocabulary opportunities offered to them to build up a mature and extensive spoken and written language. Children then apply these skills in their daily conversations and written work.
Calm and orderly
The school is calm and orderly. Children talk positively about the school and say that they feel safe and secure. Incidents of bullying and racism are rare. Leaders within the school have gone above and beyond to ensure that character education is an integral part of their curriculum offer and the extensive range of extra-curricular activities has placed an extensive part in this
Children are offered a range of free after-school clubs. These include Reading Gladiators, cooking, choir, art and craft, multi-skills, netball, and Debate Mate, which are offered alongside the school curriculum offer. The school offer a number of enhancements, such as artist-in-residence, strong links with Birmingham Hippodrome, and has national recognition for its outstanding work, for example, operating as Talk for Writing Training Centre, and gaining awards such as School Games Platinum and Gold Artsmark.
The Academy is part of the AET (Academies Enterprise Trust) which uses the inspiring motto ‘Find Your Remarkable’, across all of its schools. At Montgomery, the commitment to inclusiveness is the bedrock upon which its remarkable philosophy to inclusion is built.
Ambitious Targets
The Academy has proudly held the title of Centre of Excellence for three consecutive years, a recognition which continues to be well-deserved. Expertly led by the IQM co-ordinator and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo), the Academy continues to set ambitious targets to improve its inclusive practice.
Each year, visits to confirm Centre of Excellence status have served as an audit of practice, which offers external validation, support, and expert guidance. The Academy recognise that this regular assessment is instrumental in refining its inclusive practice and ensuring it remains at the forefront of inclusive excellence.
Active participation in the IQM Cluster group alongside other Centres of Excellence and Flagship Schools continues to demonstrate the Academy’s commitment to collaborative learning and the sharing of best practice. Montgomery Primary Academy is not content with simply achieving excellence for itself, it eagerly contributes to the broader development aims of IQM, sharing expertise and insights, and actively supporting other schools on their inclusive education journeys.
The school’s commitment to inclusivity is not just a statement; it’s a lived reality. Montgomery Primary Academy’s journey as a Centre of Excellence is an inspiring testament to its dedication to creating an educational environment where every child can truly flourish.
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.
• Our inaugural National Inclusion Conference will take place on the 27th November, for further details click here.