St Mark and All Saints CE Primary School Achieves IQM Inclusive School Award

August 17, 2026

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St Mark and All Saints C of E Primary School and Hedgehogs Nursery has achieved the IQM Inclusive School Award in recognition of its strong culture of inclusion and its dedication to providing an educational experience that meets the diverse needs and aspirations of its children, families and wider community.

A School Where Everyone Belongs 

“Together we care, learn and achieve.”

St Mark and All Saints is a school that has clearly been on a journey. Since opening in 2019, leaders have had to rebuild not just systems, but confidence, identity and relationships within the community, all while responding to a growing school and increasingly complex needs. What stands out now is how that journey has been shaped. Rather than layering on initiatives, the school has developed a way of working that feels rooted in inclusion from the ground up. It does not feel additional; it feels integral to how the school operates.

Supporting Wellbeing Through Environment and Relationships

“We’re very much on the same page with our shared values… we’re here for the children, and we want to be the best practitioners we can be.” -Teacher

In classrooms, shared spaces and less structured times such as lunchtime, staff interactions were calm, respectful and attuned. There is a clear understanding that behaviour is a form of communication, and this is reflected in the way adults respond. This consistency contributes to a predictable and emotionally safe environment, which in turn supports engagement, regulation and readiness to learn. Within the school, adaptations are embedded seamlessly into everyday practice. Pupils were observed independently accessing sensory supports and engaging fully in lessons and assemblies. The use of visual prompts, structured routines and adult support enabled all pupils to participate without drawing attention to differences.

Thrive profiles are used alongside other information to build a picture of individual need, enabling support to be proactive and responsive. In this way, behaviour is understood within a developmental context and progress in areas such as confidence, regulation and engagement can be tracked over time.

The physical environment further reinforces this inclusive approach. Outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed and actively used, providing a range of opportunities for movement, creativity, collaboration and quieter engagement. These spaces are not peripheral; they are an integral part of the school’s provision and contribute meaningfully to pupils’ engagement and wellbeing. Observations of playtimes demonstrated high levels of participation and minimal conflict, suggesting that resources are well matched to need and interest.

Strong Partnerships with Families

“It’s not just about [my child]. It’s also about looking after me, to make sure that I’m in the best place to look after [my child].” – Parent

Relationships with families are a notable strength. Parents consistently described communication as open, responsive and respectful. They spoke about feeling listened to and supported, with a clear understanding of the provision in place for their children.

The school’s links with the local and wider community are a significant strength and form an important part of its inclusive approach. Leaders described the school as acting as a hub within an area where access to services has historically been limited. Through work with the Surrey Community Link Worker and the Ockford Ridge Steering Group, the school has contributed to a coordinated response to local need, bringing together health, housing, youth and community services.

The school’s connection with the church further strengthens its place within the community. As a Church of England school, this relationship is both practical and values driven. Evidence from discussions highlighted shared provision such as the Youth Café, where children access activities, food and social opportunities in a fully inclusive setting.

St Mark and All Saints is a school where inclusion is not a separate strand of work, but a thread that runs through all aspects of its provision. There is warmth, but also clarity and purpose, care, alongside thoughtful and informed decision-making. Most importantly, there is a strong sense of a community that understands itself and is continuing to develop in a reflective and considered way.

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.