St. Ronan’s College Achieves IQM Flagship Status

September 7, 2026

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St. Ronan’s College has achieved IQM Inclusive School Award with Flagship Status in recognition of its commitment to inclusion, its innovative approach to supporting pupils and its determination to ensure that every young person has access to the opportunities they need to belong, achieve and progress. The college’s values of Believe, Belong, Become are evident across the college and underpin both policy and practice. 

Believe, Belong, Become 

This target has been approached with clarity and purpose, with leaders seeking to ensure that inclusion is not confined to specific teams or interventions but understood as a shared responsibility across the whole college community. The revision of the college’s values, through meaningful consultation with all stakeholders, represents a significant step in articulating a common vision. The resulting focus on “Believe, Belong, Become” provides a coherent framework that is visible and understood across the college. 

The curriculum offer reflects a genuine commitment to meeting a wide range of needs and abilities. At St. Ronan’s, staff emphasised that “we develop all abilities” and that colleagues consistently “go the extra mile” for all students, which is reflected in the depth of provision across the college. 

EDEN Provision 

Provision such as EDEN exemplifies the college’s inclusive approach, operating as a flexible, accessible support rather than a separate space. Its ‘revolving door approach’ allows pupils to engage with academic, social, and emotional support without stigma, and the normalised language of pupils stating “I’m going down to EDEN” reflects a culture where support is viewed positively. Evidence from discussions also highlighted how EDEN supports pupils to re-engage with learning and, in some cases, progress to post-16 pathways that may otherwise have been inaccessible. 

Following discussion with the Head of EDEN, it is clear that the provision has been carefully designed to reflect the college’s inclusive ethos. It is “open to all students” and “not a unit,” which removes any sense of separation or stigma.  

Behaviour for Learning 

The review of the Behaviour for Learning Policy has been both timely and necessary given the transition to a large, single campus environment. Leaders have approached this work with a clear understanding that behaviour is closely linked to relationships, routines, and shared expectations. 

At the heart of this development is a clear emphasis on relational practice. The college’s Behaviour for Learning Strategy highlights that “strong teacher-pupil relationships result in significant learning and positive behaviour,” reinforcing the view that behaviour and learning are intrinsically linked. 

The introduction of the mobile phone pouch system has been a carefully planned and highly effective element of the Behaviour for Learning review. Leaders emphasised that staff “never turn a blind eye” and reinforced the expectation that mobile phones should be “Never seen and Never heard.” This clarity has led to measurable improvements, including a reduction in safeguarding concerns, the absence of unauthorised photography and a decline in bullying related behaviours. 

Supporting Every Learner 

Support for newcomer pupils is a further strength of the college’s inclusive provision. The college provides induction events for parents and carers, alongside practical support such as assistance with applications for free school meals and, where appropriate, financial help through vouchers. Communication barriers are addressed effectively through the use of the FLEX language service, enabling 3-way translated conversations, which has strengthened partnerships with families. 

This tailored approach extends to refugee pupils, who are supported through bespoke timetables, safeguarding, and trauma-informed care. Inclusive opportunities beyond the classroom, including adapted sports and activities accessible to pupils with a range of physical needs, further reinforce a culture where all pupils are able to participate fully and feel a sense of belonging. 

Find Out More About IQM 

If your school is interested in achieving 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.