St Ronan’s College, Lurgan has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Inclusive policy permeates every aspect of the school
Our Assessor was warmly welcomed at St Ronan’s College, and it was a real pleasure to carry out the IQM Assessment. Everybody was keen to speak about their experience of working and learning in the college. The visit was organised by the Inclusion and Diversity Champion who also prepared and collated the extensive paperwork. After 2 days together our Assessor was impressed by her enthusiasm, her knowledge, and her eagerness to learn even more. The more she spoke about the way the college works the more impressed our Assessor was. They were further impressed by the Principal who is a powerhouse of a woman! She is fierce in her determination to make inclusive policy and practice permeates every aspect of the school. She has communicated her vision to staff and students who are wholeheartedly in support of the direction the college is taking.
Whist she is fierce in her determination, the Principal is also sensitive to the needs of staff, students, and parents. People come first in her eyes and many people spoke about how she has supported them when things were difficult for them. Wellbeing is at the heart of the school. A happy staff ensure happy students and a happy school. Our Assessor was sure the Governors and senior team will make sure they help her look after her own wellbeing. The role of a Principal is not an easy one.
Unique in so Many Ways
St Ronan’s College is unique in so many ways. It stands out as a beacon of inclusion and is known for doing things differently. They have rejected the tradition of testing children either before they are admitted or after they are given a place, in order to pigeonhole them into ability sets with set pathways.
They prioritise pastoral case and strong relationships above academic achievement and they obviously value each and every student for their unique personality and talents. Subsequently, students thrive and grow and enjoy their learning. The college curriculum and qualifications framework are designed to meet the needs of a very wide range of students with a range of abilities and interests. There is something for everyone.
The college is the result of a merger of 3 very different schools in Lurgan. This was no minor task but was a major piece of work demanding strong leadership to bring staff and students together under the same vision. The previous Headteacher and the new Principal have shown determined leadership throughout the process and have been able to harness the goodwill of staff and the community by sharing their values and vision for the future. The college is now well established, is popular and it is full. It is currently on 2 sites, but the new college building is underway and should be complete in approximately 18 months. The plans look amazing, and the new build will bring many new facilities and opportunities for the students and staff and for the community. However, it will also bring challenges that will have to be faced in terms of rationalising the staffing structure to ‘fit’ the new school. Our Assessor spoke to the Principal about this and there is no doubt she will manage this process humanly and sensitively and will achieve the best outcome for all.
Safe Place
St Ronan’s College has ensured all students have the support they need, and the role of form tutor is a priority, and much time has been invested in making this relationship a strong supportive one. All the students spoke with said the college was a safe place where they can get on with their learning. Parents are regarded as partners, and they work with staff to ensure their children get the very best.
Teachers at St Ronan’s don’t just teach, they act as role models for students and model inclusive behaviour. They really care about their students. Staff tend to stay at the school for a long time because they are generally content and there is a sense of comradery and family.
The Principal has put a focus on wellbeing of staff and students. The Governors and Principal are fully committed to an inclusive culture and ethos, and this is demonstrated by funds released to employ a range of individuals who provide additional support for students. For instance, employing a school-based social worker, a nurse, and creating a pupil services team and safeguarding team. Furthermore, they have shown they are willing to take risks break away from traditions if it means they can meet the needs of the young people in their care.
St Ronan’s is well aware that times are changing, and they are reflective when developing the curriculum and supporting policies. They have welcomed a changing population and are always looking towards the horizon to see what is coming next. Whatever happens, the college will be ready.
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.