Northampton Academy Achieves IQM Flagship Award

August 14, 2026

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Northampton Academy has achieved the IQM Inclusive School Award with Flagship status, celebrating its commitment to fostering a welcoming and aspirational environment in which every student is encouraged to grow, belong and achieve their best.

A School Where Everyone Belongs

Northampton Academy is truly an inclusive school where the first consideration is always ‘how can we get the best out of students through the opportunities we provide.’ The ‘sense of belonging’ is reflected in all conversations with different stakeholders, they are all not only committed to character development but recognise the importance of it and it is embedded within the community.

Within the three current STEM, Elite Sport, and Spotlight groups there is now unmistakable evidence that being part of these groups improves not only wellbeing but attainment and attendance. As a result, there are plans to launch a Creative Arts strand in September to provide yet more opportunities for students.

Student Voice Shaping School Life

The Headteacher stated “student leadership is at the heart of the school, and nothing happens without speaking to them (students) first.” When meeting the School Council, it was very clear that this is the case, the team, represented by every year group, spoke passionately about their role and the real responsibility they hold, one student said “I was on the school council at my last school but nothing ever happened, we didn’t even meet so it was a waste of time. At this school it is amazing and we can make a real difference” A member of the Council in the Sixth Form said, “we have a real spectrum of different students, so we get the different views of the school when making decisions.” The high-profile position of the student leadership body helps to ensure positive and respectful relationships between staff and students.

Building Belonging Through the House System

To cement the ‘sense of belonging’ the new house system has had an immediate impact. The student body were at the heart of its development and voted on the house names and badges. In the first year there have already been house assemblies which are used to celebrate student achievement, and it is the first-time students from all 7-year groups have experienced this together. One student said, “being part of my house really makes me want to come to school where I didn’t always want to.” In addition, to the assemblies there are house competitions such as the ‘Big Quiz’ and rowing challenges.

Strong Partnerships with the Community

The Academy’s links with the wider community are now very established and further strengthen students’ sense of belonging. Students understand the importance of having a positive influence on their community through initiatives such as community walks, bingo events, afternoon tea gatherings and charitable fundraising activities led by the house system.

The school has also worked hard to strengthen parent engagement. Alongside regular communication through Arbor, students help produce the Inside Out Podcast, celebrating school achievements and making links with the wider community. The newly established Parent Council provides opportunities for parents and carers to share feedback and work collaboratively with school leaders to shape school life.

Opportunities That Help Students Thrive

The extracurricular offer really embeds what it means to be a student at Northampton Academy and the opportunities that are on offer every day. The programme covers all aspects of school life and runs before school, lunch and after school. Activities include many different sports, Performing Arts, Lego, walking and many more. The engagement of students is closely tracked using Arbour and again any students identified as not benefiting from the offer are spoken to but to offer an insight into what they are missing rather than being coerced into participation.

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.