Inclusion Quality Mark and Centre of Excellence

 We are thrilled to announce that Copleston High School and Sixth Form has been recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the IQM Inclusive School Award following a comprehensive two-day assessment. The IQM (Inclusion Quality Mark) offers UK schools a nationally recognized validation of their inclusive practices and ongoing commitment to educational inclusion.

 During the assessment, our school presented a detailed self-evaluation document. The IQM assessor gathered extensive evidence to measure the impact of Copleston’s initiatives. This included a thorough tour of the school campus, including the Sixth Form, and meetings with various stakeholders such as staff, students, parents, governors, and local community groups. The assessor also explored our innovative projects, including the Connect Unit and the Communication and Interaction Hub as part of this process.

 To be recognized as a Centre of Excellence, schools must meet the following criteria:

• Commitment to sustaining the Inclusion Quality Mark ethos through collaborative activities.
• Demonstrable plans to sustain and develop internal inclusive practices.
• Capacity to share and disseminate good inclusive practices across a broader cluster of schools.
• Have, or are able to develop, the capacity to share and disseminate good inclusive practice across a broader cluster of schools.
• Are willing to engage in classroom level research activity that explores inclusive practice.
• Are prepared to contribute to the overall development aims of IQM, supporting the need for expertise or trialling practice.