Derby Moor Spencer Academy achieves IQM Flagship School Status
Derby Moor Spencer Academy is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Flagship School Status, recognising its deeply embedded culture of inclusion, belonging and aspiration.
The prestigious award follows a detailed review of the academy’s inclusive practice and marks the next stage of Derby Moor’s IQM journey, following its previous recognition as a Centre of Excellence. The reviewer found compelling evidence of a school where support is personalised, ambitious and focused on improving life chances, describing Derby Moor as a “beacon of inclusive practice.”
At the heart of the academy’s approach is its “Show Me You Know Me” philosophy, ensuring that every pupil feels seen, heard, valued and able to succeed. The reviewer praised the extent to which this has become embedded in everyday practice, with staff using pupil voice, personalised reviews, pupil passports and strengths-based planning to ensure that support is shaped around individual needs.
The reviewer was particularly impressed by the academy’s sophisticated understanding of the community it serves. Leaders were particularly praised for their understanding of the barriers some pupils face, including SEND, disadvantage, EAL and social and emotional vulnerabilities, while maintaining a clear focus on strengths and potential. This understanding enables the academy to identify strengths, remove barriers and ensure that all pupils can participate fully in school life.
The continued development of Derby Moor’s Inclusion and Belonging Team was also identified as a significant strength. Inclusion is viewed as a shared responsibility, with pastoral, inclusion, curriculum and external teams working closely together to coordinate support. This collaborative approach ensures that pupils receive personalised and responsive support, underpinned by a strong understanding of their individual needs.
The reviewer also highlighted the calm and purposeful learning environment across the academy, with adaptive teaching, explicit vocabulary instruction, reading strategies and carefully planned support evident throughout the learning walk. Staff demonstrated a strong knowledge of their pupils and a genuine commitment to helping them succeed.
Throughout the review, the quality of provision was matched by what the reviewer described as a clear moral purpose. The report highlighted Derby Moor as a school that has worked hard to create a culture where “inclusion, belonging and aspiration are inseparable.”
Alongside inclusion, the academy’s commitment to broadening horizons and raising aspirations was a key feature of the review. Careers education, enrichment, cultural capital opportunities, apprenticeships, university links and personalised pathways are helping young people develop confidence, independence and ambitious plans for their futures. One member of staff summed up the academy’s ambition as ensuring young people are “in control of their future.”
This work has also recently received national recognition, with Derby Moor featured in Teach First’s “Class dismissed: Closing the gap for persistently disadvantaged pupils” report. The case study, “Bucking the destinations trend”, highlighted the academy’s sustained 89% post-16 destination rate, compared with a local average of 58%, alongside its work with employers including Microsoft, DHL, Rolls-Royce, Alstom and Cooper Parry.
The IQM review also recognised Derby Moor’s growing contribution beyond its own community. Through IQM cluster activity, collaboration across Spencer Academies Trust and a willingness to share resources and effective practice, the academy is increasingly supporting other schools to strengthen their own inclusive approaches.
The reviewer concluded that Derby Moor has developed a culture in which belonging, aspiration and achievement are mutually reinforcing, combining highly effective systems with genuine care for its pupils.
Scott Doyle, Principal of Derby Moor Spencer Academy, shared: “The assessor heard 'Together We Succeed' described as a philosophy rather than a slogan. Inclusion at Derby Moor is not the work of a small team of specialists; it is shared by pastoral leaders, teachers, teaching assistants and our Inclusion and Belonging Team alike. Flagship status belongs to them, and to the families who trust us with their children.”
Aoife Galletly, Director of Quality and Standards and Interim Director of Secondary School Improvement, added: “It is a delight to read this report which reflects the determination and moral purpose with which the whole Derby Moor team of pupils and staff create a shared inclusive culture.”
Spencer Academies Trust and Derby Moor Spencer Academy are incredibly proud of this achievement, which reflects the dedication of its staff, pupils, families and wider community. IQM Flagship School Status recognises the academy’s commitment to ensuring every young person feels known, valued and supported to fulfil their potential, while also sharing its learning and expertise with others.
Congratulations to everyone at Derby Moor Spencer Academy!