South Wigston High School – Inclusive School Award with COE

August 21, 2026

---

Congratulations to South Wigston High School on achieving the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status. A richly deserved recognition of the school’s outstanding commitment to inclusion, ambition and opportunity for every learner. 

A School on the RISE 

South Wigston High School is “a proud member” of the Learning Without Limits Academy Trust (LWLAT), which supports five local schools. The Principal has been at the school since 2024 and is supported by three Vice Principals, three Assistant Principals, and a SENCO. Leaders receive regular support and challenge from the Trust’s Education Director. The school is currently on a journey of rapid improvement as a DfE ‘Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence’(RISE) school and is receiving support from a DfE RISE Advisor as part of this government targeted school improvement programme. The school’s work on inclusive practice has recently been shared at a DfE RISE Conference. 

Ambition for All: The South Wigston DNA 

South Wigston High School prides itself on being a fully inclusive academy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. It is a warm and friendly school that celebrates the increasing diversity of its community. Leaders explain how, “ambition for all sits at the centre of our work”. The school’s vision is underpinned by the ‘South Wigston DNA: Ambition, Determination and Respect’. These values shape the curriculum, pastoral system, daily interactions with students and staff and professional learning. The Principal spoke animatedly about the school’s ‘Pledge’ and about how this pledge is shared widely with all stakeholders. It became clear during the two days of the assessment that these values are fully embedded into all the school does for its stakeholders.  

Nurturing Confidence in Every Learner 

Since the appointment of the Principal in 2024, nurture provision has been designed and set up to meet the needs of a small number of students in the Year 7 cohort. The Principal recognised the need to ensure that these students were well supported in a smaller environment. An adapted curriculum of English, maths, science and humanities is delivered in the nurture group lessons with students attending mainstream provision for other subjects. Lessons are tailored to support individual learning needs to ensure these students increase their confidence as learners, attend school regularly and make progress. During the assessment days, the atmosphere in nurture lessons was calm with learners supported to learn key skills and knowledge and positive learner behaviours in a smaller, safe space.  

Celebrating Diversity Through Literature 

In recognition of inclusivity and diversity, leaders have incorporated a wide range of diverse books into the curriculum, promoting discussion and challenging stereotypes. In lessons students are introduced to literature which represents different cultures and backgrounds to develop empathy and a wider understanding of the world around them. Students are aware and appreciate the increasing diversity within their school community. Support staff who met with the assessor commented on the school’s “strong” inclusivity and emphasis on the “celebration of success and differences.”  

Inclusive Excellence in Action  

South Wigston High School is an improving school where high expectations are combined with nurturing and inclusive approaches to support students to become successful learners and members of the school community. It is clear from the assessment process that the staff at South Wigston High School are completely committed to inclusive education and practice. Thank you to the team at South Wigston High School for their warm welcome and for two enjoyable and informative days.  

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.