Trinity Academy in Thorne, Doncaster has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
A Proud Academy
Serving the townships of Thorne and Moorends, Trinity Academy is proud to have a non-denominational Christian ethos that welcomes students of all faiths and none. Operating within a one-school town, the Academy recognises the huge part it has to play in the rejuvenation of Thorne and undoubtedly recent changes in its leadership have seen a swift transformation in the Academy’s culture, despite the continuous disruption incurred over the last three years due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Leaders and staff were able to describe this new culture as one of praise, reward and celebration as opposed to sanctions, and the well-embedded policies and procedures now meant that the Academy is in a “period of stability.”
The Principal’s Welcome
The Principal’s welcome sets out the inclusive nature of the Academy:
“Our conviction is that education should address the whole of what it means to be a happy, fulfilled, and successful adult; as such, we offer a broad range of co-curricular activities to supplement and enhance the experiences gained in the classroom. We have high expectations of all our students and are determined that each young person will have the opportunity to shine during their time with us – and enjoy themselves in the process!”
A Clear Direction
Clear structures and processes have been embedded within the Academy since the Principal was appointed, ably supported by the Head of School. This means that all staff have clear direction and understand the expectations. Of note, the school has recently embarked on a journey away from just sanctions but is implementing a robust system of praise and reward.
Key Development Areas
The leaders are clear about the vision and next steps for the school, as they recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Importantly, the leaders recognise that the key area of development is increasing the attendance at the Academy and consequently they are building upon the rigorous attendance policies and procedures and are implementing a wide variety of initiatives to encourage school attendance.
Parents Are Appreciative
Parents speak very highly of the school and are appreciative of the significant turnaround that has been affected in a short time. One parent of a child who has faced significant trauma and displays exceptionally challenging behaviour said that “the school itself is my absolute rock, and I would not have coped without them”.
Every Child Is Valued
Undoubtedly, inclusion is central to the school’s vision and purpose and sets the framework in which all work takes place in this warm and welcoming school. Leaders can articulate well the vision that ‘every child at Trinity Academy will flourish – will grow in a healthy and vigorous way in body, mind and spirit.” The Head of School had said that each child was “infinitely precious and valued no matter what background.”
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