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Congratulations to St Cuthbert’s Catholic School in Englefield Green, which has achieved the IQM Inclusive School Award. St Cuthbert’s is a one-form entry school which became an Academy and joined the Xavier Catholic Education Trust in December 2023.

Inclusion Quality Mark has been assessing and recognising schools for their hard work on making inclusion matter since 2004. An inclusive school gives all pupils regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, achievements or background the equal opportunities to succeed. In return, the Inclusion Quality Mark provides schools with a nationally recognised framework to recognise the efforts they are making to be inclusive.

IQM reports that “The Head, Alison Rainbow, has a clear vision for inclusion, supported by an Inclusion Action Plan.  Staff and governors are fully supportive of this. The school’s Golden Rule, ‘Treat each other as you want to be treated,’ its FAIR values (Faith, Articulate and Appreciative, Independent Learners who use their Initiative, Resilient and Respectful), along with Catholic Life, ensure that all are included and valued.” IQM also notes that pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, that parents report that the school’s communication is “a real strength” and the assessor saw that “the staff speak with one voice; they believe in the work that the school does and see how the range of support is effective.”

Pupils told the assessor “how much they like helping others, the range of opportunities they have in lessons and out on trips” as well as about their “great pride in the work they do as Wellbeing Ambassadors, Play Leaders and Peer Mediators.”

The Assessor added,

“I enjoyed my day at St Cuthbert’s Catholic PS and was struck by the positivity that came from all stakeholders.  The Head’s vision is supported and driven by the staff, leading to a caring community that wants the best for every individual, be they child, teacher or parent.  All are valued and cared for.”

On achieving the award, Head of School, Alison Rainbow, said:

"We are delighted at St Cuthbert's to have achieved this award for inclusion. I am so very proud of the children and staff and grateful for the support from our school community. The school is going from strength to strength, and we are all very excited about the future."

Read more about St Cuthbert’s on the school website, or click here to read the IQM report in full.

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Sources: St Cuthbert’s Catholic School, Inclusion Quality Mark ‍