The Fermain Academy Retains IQM Flagship School Status

September 10, 2026

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The Fermain Academy has retained their IQM Inclusive School Award with Flagship Status. The Fermain Academy has developed a high-quality, relational, aspirational Alternative Provision that blends academic, vocational and personal development exceptionally well. Its culture of inclusion, strong partnerships, outstanding facilities and unwavering focus on student wellbeing position it as a model of effective AP practice.

Opening Up Vocational Pathways

There has been clear and measurable progress over the past 12 months through the Academy’s Flagship project. Structural changes to the KS4 offer, the systematic review and embedding of vocational schemes of work, the relocation of Art into the Skills Centre, targeted staff development, strengthened progression routes and increased whole-school integration of practical and creative learning have all contributed to this progress.

Restructuring KS4 option blocks has increased vocational availability, removed previous barriers and enabled more students to choose courses matching their interests, strengths and learning needs. Vocational curricula have been reviewed and refined, with schemes of work fully embedded. Students are working towards Level 2 qualifications across all subjects.

The Skills Centre is a standout element of the Academy’s offer, providing high-quality vocational learning through double lessons. Students have access to textiles studios, engineering spaces, specialist construction, hair and beauty areas and opportunities to combine qualifications, with maximum class sizes of eight.

Supporting Positive Destinations

Personal development is deeply embedded through weekly Preparation for Adulthood lessons, strong pastoral support, bespoke intervention plans, ELSA support, home visits for EBSA and early identification of needs.

Careers guidance includes CV writing, interview preparation and college visits. Last year every student achieved a positive post-16 destination. Students appreciate reasonable adjustments such as short “reset” breaks and speak confidently about post-16 aspirations.

Staff are passionate about developing every student in order to find the success they deserve and can achieve. The Fermain Academy is supporting all their students to achieve positive destinations and flourish in their home environment and the community.

Making Progress in Reading

The Academy has made significant progress in reading. Twelve months ago, reading and English had such a stigma that the team were determined to raise the profile.

Starting with NGRT and Lexia, reading ages have improved significantly, with 72% making positive progress, 44% making accelerated progress and 28% making strong acceleration.

The reading team deliver MELSA, a bridge between the academic curriculum and students’ emotions. Recently introduced, it is heavily entrenched around relationships, resilience and confidence building, supported by staff CPD and training originating through strong links with the local visiting educational psychologist.

Seeing the Impact

All three students spoken with had seen their suspensions reduce significantly since attending the Fermain Academy and felt that they were finally being supported to make the ‘right’ choices and excel at school.

One student said: “The teachers actually understand you, they have made efforts to make a bond.”

There has been significant, positive progress towards the targets set in the first year of the Flagship project, alongside a robust plan moving forwards. Leaders continue to prioritise inclusion, with the Academy remaining a highly inclusive school with dedicated staff who truly care for the students.

Continuing the Flagship Journey

The next stage of the project will focus on strengthening curriculum and vocational pathways, trauma-informed practice, staff development and inclusive teaching, family and external engagement, sustainability and leadership development.

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.