Ashwood Spencer Academy celebrates continued success with IQM Flagship Status
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Ashwood Spencer Academy are delighted to announce that it has retained its Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Flagship School Status, recognising its deeply embedded culture of inclusion, belonging and high expectations for every pupil.
The prestigious recognition follows a Flagship Review undertaken on 7 October 2026, during which the assessor found Ashwood to be a highly effective example of inclusive mainstream provision that continues to move from strength to strength. The report praised the academy’s inclusive culture, committed staff and determination to ensure every child receives an exceptional educational experience, despite the significant challenges presented by its context, including high levels of deprivation, considerable pupil mobility and a large proportion of pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL).
At the heart of Ashwood’s approach is a well-established culture of trust, kindness and high expectations. The assessor highlighted the profound sense of pride demonstrated by staff in the school, its pupils, families and wider community. Throughout the review, staff demonstrated an exceptional commitment to providing the very best learning opportunities and experiences, ensuring that every child is recognised as an individual and supported to thrive socially, academically and emotionally. The assessor concluded that the lengths staff and leaders go to in providing an enriching and memorable education are “second to none.”
The review particularly recognised the strength of Ashwood’s inclusion systems, which have been further refined to ensure that pupils’ needs and barriers to learning are identified quickly and appropriate support is put in place without unnecessary delay. The Ashwood Support Allocation Panel (ASAP) plays a key role in coordinating referrals and ensuring that pupils receive the right support at the right time. The introduction of the Thrive programme has further strengthened provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, providing bespoke support in a dedicated classroom environment with trained staff.
The assessor also praised the consistency of inclusive classroom practice across the academy. A calm and purposeful atmosphere, supported by clear routines and warm, respectful relationships, was evident throughout the learning walk. Staff demonstrate a strong understanding of their pupils and work collaboratively to remove barriers to learning, while professional development opportunities continue to strengthen practice. Recent training in trauma-informed approaches has helped staff develop a deeper understanding of pupils’ needs and provide the stability and psychologically safe environment that enables children to flourish.
A significant feature of the review was the progress made through Ashwood’s Flagship Project, ‘Celebrating Every Voice – Embedding Cultural Diversity and Belonging at Ashwood Spencer’. The assessor recognised the extensive foundational work already completed and the growing visibility of cultural diversity and belonging throughout school life. Over the past two years, the curriculum has been carefully reviewed and refined to ensure it reflects the backgrounds and experiences of the pupils who attend Ashwood, making learning more relevant, meaningful and inspiring.
In Geography, carefully planned enrichment opportunities help pupils explore their local area and discover contrasting landscapes beyond their immediate surroundings. In History, the curriculum has been adapted to include a greater focus on African civilisations, reflecting the heritage of many pupils and creating opportunities for children to explore their family histories and share their cultural traditions. These developments demonstrate Ashwood’s commitment to ensuring pupils see their identities and experiences reflected in their education, while broadening their understanding of the world.
The newly established English as an Additional Language team was also recognised for its work to strengthen support for pupils and families arriving from overseas. Building on the school’s existing welcoming culture, the team is developing more systematic transition arrangements, including language-matched pupil buddies, alongside clearer processes to help families feel welcomed and supported from the outset. The growing representation of the many languages spoken across the school community also helps reinforce the message that every pupil and family belongs at Ashwood.
The review acknowledged the work already taking place to strengthen parental engagement. Recognising that traditional workshops and information events have not always secured high attendance, staff have adapted their approaches to make participation more accessible. A successful transition afternoon, featuring informal information stands outside the school, demonstrated how thoughtful changes can encourage families to engage with their children’s learning and feel more connected to the school community.
Looking ahead, Ashwood will continue to build on this strong foundation. Priorities include further developing culturally representative curriculum opportunities, strengthening EAL transition and family support, launching a Cultural Ambassadors programme to give pupils greater opportunities for leadership and representation, and expanding approaches to parental engagement. Through assemblies, storytelling, curriculum projects and school events, pupils will have further opportunities to celebrate their heritage, share their experiences and help shape an inclusive school community.
The assessor concluded that Ashwood Spencer Academy fully meets the standard required to retain its IQM Flagship School Status, describing it as an excellent place of learning that is making a profoundly positive difference to children’s lives. The report reinforces the academy’s determination to ensure that no child is overlooked, that every pupil has the opportunity to succeed and that a child’s background never limits their ambitions or potential.
Paula Baines-Chambers, Principal of Ashwood Spencer Academy, shared: “Retaining our IQM Flagship Status is a wonderful acknowledgement of the inclusive culture we have built together at Ashwood Spencer Academy. We believe that every child deserves exceptional opportunities, high expectations and a true sense of belonging. This achievement celebrates the dedication of our staff and the remarkable children and families who make Ashwood such a special place to learn and grow.”
Spencer Academies Trust and Ashwood Spencer Academy are incredibly proud of this achievement, which reflects the dedication of staff, pupils, families and the wider community. Retaining IQM Flagship School Status recognises the academy’s ongoing commitment to inclusive excellence and its ambition to ensure every child is known, valued and empowered to fulfil their potential.
Congratulations to everyone at Ashwood Spencer Academy!