Rushen Primary School Achieves the IQM Inclusive School Award

September 3, 2026

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Rushen Primary School has achieved the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award in recognition of its strong commitment to ensuring that every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their potential. The assessment found a school where inclusion is central to its identity, with strong leadership, specialist expertise, exceptional learning environments and a clear commitment to ensuring that every pupil belongs. 

Inclusion at the Heart of School Life 

A key strength of Rushen Primary School is the clear understanding that inclusion is central to the identity and culture of the school, rather than being an additional responsibility or a separate area of provision. Leaders, governors and staff share a strong commitment to creating a sense of belonging where children are recognised for their strengths, supported to overcome barriers and enabled to participate fully in school life. 

The school is currently reviewing its values, with staff, pupils and parents all contributing to the process. The emerging values of Kindness, Teamwork, Honesty, Curiosity and Respect provide a strong foundation upon which the school’s inclusive ethos continues to evolve. 

A Specialist Provision Centre That Enriches the Whole School 

The Specialist Provision Centre (SPC) for children with profound and multiple difficulties is a significant strength and provides a unique opportunity for specialist expertise to influence and enrich whole-school practice. Importantly, the SPC is not viewed as separate from the wider school community but as an integral part of it, creating valuable opportunities for shared experiences, peer relationships and the development of empathy, understanding and respect amongst all pupils. 

Provision for children with a wide range of learning needs, developmental profiles and learning styles is a notable strength. Staff demonstrate strong knowledge of individual pupils and use adaptive approaches, personalised support and nurturing relationships effectively to remove barriers to learning. 

Outstanding Outdoor Learning 

The school’s exceptional outdoor provision is another significant strength. 

The environment provides rich opportunities for learning, creativity, communication, physical development, emotional regulation and social interaction. The thoughtful design of these spaces demonstrates a strong understanding of the importance of environment in supporting wellbeing and inclusion and provides opportunities for all children to engage, explore and succeed. Pupils regularly benefit from visits to local environments, including the nearby nature reserve, alongside participation in environmental initiatives, sporting competitions, musical activities and residential experiences. 

Learning Through Choice and Independence 

The curriculum at Rushen Primary School is currently undergoing an ambitious programme of development designed to ensure that it is both inclusive and responsive to the changing educational landscape within the Isle of Man. A significant strength is the school’s commitment to developing pupils as confident, resilient and independent learners. The continued development of the COOL (Choosing Our Own Learning) approach encourages curiosity, creativity and pupil ownership. 

One pupil explained: “COOL is brilliant because we can learn more things all by yourself.” Staff also highlighted the impact of the curriculum, with one member of staff commenting: “The COOL curriculum practices have facilitated and enabled integration of children in the specialist provision and Precision Teaching has made a huge impact.” 

We Play Together, Learn Together and Look After Each Other 

Throughout the assessment, pupils consistently demonstrated positive attitudes towards learning and a clear understanding of inclusion. One pupil remarked: 

“There are so many opportunities to make new friends. The teachers respect you and are kind and helpful.” Another summed up the school’s culture perfectly: “Some children learn in different ways or need extra help, but they’re still part of our school. We play together, learn together and look after each other because everyone is important.” These comments reflect the calm, welcoming atmosphere observed throughout the visit and the school’s commitment to ensuring every child feels valued and included. 

Looking Ahead 

The assessment recognised Rushen Primary School as a school with strong foundations and a clear vision for the future. Its specialist expertise, dedicated staff, developing leadership capacity, strong relationships and outstanding learning environments provide a very positive platform for continued improvement. As the school continues its inclusion journey, it is well placed to build on these considerable strengths while continuing to celebrate diversity, strengthen family engagement and ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to flourish. 

Find Out More About IQM 

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.