Northgate High School in Ipswich celebrates Inclusion Quality Mark success

An Ipswich school is celebrating a national award in recognition of its efforts to create an inclusive learning environment for all its pupils.

Northgate High School and Sixth Form, in Sidegate Lane, earned an Inclusive Quality Mark (IQM) Award, recognising it as a ‘centre for excellence’ after a two-day evaluation.

The IQM report described the school as a place where every student was valued, unique abilities were celebrated and every achievement was recognised.

This put them on a path to becoming responsible global citizens, it read.

Mrs Bothwell-O’Hearn, the school’s equality, inclusion and diversity lead, said the school was really proud of the award, which reflected the hard work of staff, students, parents and carers.

She said: “Northgate has been committed to ensuring that every student sees themselves represented in our school environment and the curriculum.

“We are really pleased that Northgate was commended for celebrating every student and helping them to become global citizens for the future.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported Northgate’s diversity and inclusion events and projects and we look forward to working with schools across the UK to develop inclusive practises for all.”

The IQM report said Northgate was a excellent example of inclusive practice within a secondary school setting.

However, it saw its role as extending beyond the school gates, providing contributions on a national and local level, the report said.

The report added that its curriculum was deliberately designed to reference the culture and identity of its students, with a focus on providing students with reference they can relate to.