Walthamstow Primary Academy Achieves IQM Centre of Excellence Status

September 9, 2026

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Walthamstow Primary Academy has achieved IQM Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status in recognition of its deeply embedded inclusive culture, its commitment to celebrating diversity and its determination to ensure every child is respected, supported and empowered to succeed. 

A Culture Where Everyone Belongs 

Leaders and staff have established a welcoming and aspirational environment where all pupils are valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential. 

Relationships across the school are particularly strong. Staff model respect, kindness and professionalism consistently, and pupils respond positively to the clear expectations that have been established. 

Staff described this culture beautifully in their own words: “We are so welcoming and diverse”, “we have a great community around us that we would like to celebrate”, “we want to give everyone their opportunity to shine”, “there are so many things to celebrate” and “the ethos and the values of this school shines in everything we do”. Pupils themselves reflected this ethos too, explaining: “we reduce inequality inside our school and outside our school”. 

Creative and Immersive Learning 

One of the most striking features of teaching and learning at Walthamstow Primary Academy is the sheer level of immersion staff bring to their lessons. One classroom had been set up as a police investigation, complete with props and clues for the children to work through, while another had been transformed into a circus, turning every entry into a room into a genuinely different environment for learning. As staff explained, “the immersion side happens frequently”, and it was wonderful to see this level of creativity built into everyday practice rather than being reserved for special occasions. 

Staff spoke about this deliberate, multisensory approach with real pride, explaining “we take the sensory, tactile approach to the lessons we can”, and it was clear that this way of teaching has a genuine and positive impact on how engaged and enthusiastic the children are in their learning. 

Leadership with Vision and Purpose 

Leadership is highly ambitious, reflective and firmly rooted in the school’s inclusive ethos. Leaders have established a clear vision centred upon high expectations, equity and continuous improvement, and there is a strong sense of shared purpose across the school community. The Headteacher spoke about the collective culture with real warmth, sharing “we all have to work together”, “all of us pull together and bring in our expertise”, “everyone is working to support one another” and “everyone knows how the pieces fit together”. 

The Regional Director of the Trust was equally complimentary, noting “they are able to spread that inspiration across to other schools” and describing the Headteacher as “brilliant, he makes the school fit the children, not forcing children to fit the school”. 

Reading, Rights and Opportunity 

Reading is clearly prioritised across the school and forms a central part of the curriculum offer. Staff noted that “reading and books are connected to the protected characteristics”, making a valuable contribution to the school’s cultural capital. 

One standout feature that deserves particular praise is the emphasis on handwriting throughout the school. Every poster and note is handwritten, a small but powerful choice that reflects the value the school places on the written word. Speedy reading sessions were a delight to observe, with children fully engaged and enthusiastic. The library is another gem, with artwork by leaving Year 6 pupils, “the Year 6’s did this Report on IQM Inclusive School Award before they left, they left their stamp”. Reading and books are clearly a genuine priority, supported by Book Fayres and parents coming in to read with their children. 

Strong Partnerships with Families and the Community 

Parents spoke with real warmth about their experience of the school. One shared, “when we look at the journey of each child, we have been so happy with how each child has developed”, adding “its credit to the school”. 

Another parent reflected beautifully that “this school understands my child 100%, its been able to see how my child has developed from reception to Year 6” and added “we give credit to the school and all of the teaching staff for the confidence of my children”. Global engagement is a particular highlight. The school also identified a refugee camp in Greece and successfully fundraised to support it, providing a powerful example of children learning empathy and global citizenship in action. 

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 emailadmin@iqmaward.com.

To find out more about IQM and request a free information pack, visit www.iqmaward.com.