Inclusion Quality Mark Flagship Status

At The Fermain Academy, inclusion is at the heart of our approach to education. We are proud to have retained our Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Flagship School Status, 2026-2029 recognising our sustained commitment to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that every student is supported to achieve and thrive.

Flagship status is the highest level of the IQM award programme and recognises schools where inclusive practice is deeply embedded in the school’s ethos, strategy and day-to-day provision. The award provides external recognition of the systems, relationships and practices we have developed to understand and respond to the individual needs of our students.

This is reflected in the way we support students to re-engage with education, develop confidence and overcome barriers to learning. Our inclusive approach includes personalised support, strong pastoral relationships, targeted SEND provision, a broad and ambitious curriculum, vocational opportunities through The Mill, reading and foundational skills support, and close working with families and external partners.

Retaining Flagship status demonstrates that inclusion is embedded across our school. As a Flagship school, we are able to support other schools and to share effective practice, engage with other schools through IQM networks and contribute to the wider development of inclusive education.