IQM Inclusive School & Centre of Excellence
Lansdowne Primary School is proud to have achieved both the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award and IQM Centre of Excellence status. These nationally recognised awards celebrate schools where inclusion is embedded throughout every aspect of school life and where all children are supported to thrive.
Following a rigorous assessment in November 2025, the school was recognised for its exceptional commitment to inclusion, belonging and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. The assessor described Lansdowne as “There is an extraordinary sense of excitement and creativity around the learning. Motivation and energy are high and both staff and pupils are excited about what they are achieving, and rightly so. This is a thriving school”.
Through this award, Lansdowne Primary School stands among a small group of schools across the country recognised for leading the way in inclusive education – ensuring every child can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
Learn more about the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM)
Read the full report below:
What is the Inclusion Quality Mark?
The Inclusion Quality Mark is a national award that recognises schools that demonstrate a deep commitment to inclusion, equality, accessibility and belonging.
Schools are assessed against a comprehensive range of criteria, including leadership, teaching and learning, support for pupils with additional needs, engagement with families and the overall culture of the school.
Centre of Excellence status is awarded to schools that go beyond the Inclusive School standard and demonstrate exemplary practice that can be shared with other schools.
Why Lansdowne Primary School was recognised
The assessment identified a wide range of strengths that make Lansdowne Primary School an exceptionally inclusive, innovative and nurturing school community.
A school where every child belongs
The assessor found a strong culture of belonging running throughout the school, with pupils, staff and families all describing Lansdowne as a place where people feel valued, listened to and supported. Children spoke confidently about feeling safe, known and celebrated, while staff highlighted the strong relationships and team ethos that underpin daily school life. The school’s values of being respectful, inclusive, successful and empathetic were found to be deeply embedded across the community.
Inclusion at the heart of everything
The report recognised that inclusion is not simply an initiative at Lansdowne, but the foundation upon which decisions are made. Staff demonstrated a shared commitment to understanding the needs of every child, adapting provision where necessary and ensuring all pupils have the opportunity to thrive. The assessor noted that every child is viewed as an individual and that barriers to learning are actively identified and removed.
Removing barriers and creating opportunity
Particular praise was given to the school’s highly personalised approach to support. From the specialist alternative provisions of The Burrow, Orchard and Brambles to sensory circuits, therapeutic interventions and adaptive teaching strategies, the report found that staff work tirelessly to ensure every child can succeed. The assessor highlighted the school’s philosophy of finding the right starting point for each child and building from there, with provision tailored to meet individual needs whilst maintaining high aspirations.
Innovation through technology
As a Microsoft Showcase School, Lansdowne was recognised for its exceptional use of technology to promote inclusion, independence and engagement. The report highlighted how pupils use digital tools to access learning in ways that suit their strengths, including video, audio, visual and creative approaches. Technology was praised for empowering pupils, increasing confidence, reducing barriers and providing equitable opportunities for all learners to demonstrate their understanding.
Exciting learning that inspires success
The assessor described a school filled with excitement, creativity and engagement. Learning experiences were found to be immersive, hands-on and responsive to pupils’ interests, with educational technology, outdoor learning, enrichment activities and experiential opportunities helping to make learning memorable. Pupils spoke enthusiastically about their learning and demonstrated pride in their achievements across all areas of the curriculum.
Strong relationships and wellbeing
The report recognised the exceptionally strong relationships that exist across the school community. Staff were praised for creating an environment where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn. The school’s focus on emotional wellbeing, regulation, nurture and personal development was highlighted as a significant strength, with pupils demonstrating kindness, empathy and a strong sense of responsibility for one another.
Working in partnership with families
Families spoke highly of the care, support and communication they receive from the school. Parents described leaders and staff as approachable, compassionate and responsive, praising the strong home-school relationships that have been built. The assessor found that parents feel listened to, valued and actively involved in their children’s education from the earliest stages of transition through to secondary school preparation.
Broadening horizons and enriching experiences
The report highlighted the extensive range of opportunities available to pupils beyond the classroom. Educational visits, outdoor learning, performances, leadership opportunities, careers-related experiences and strong community partnerships help children develop confidence, aspiration and wider life skills. The school was also praised for ensuring that all pupils can access these experiences, regardless of their individual circumstances or needs.
A model of inclusive practice
The assessor concluded that Lansdowne Primary School is a thriving and highly inclusive school where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their potential. The report recognised the school’s culture of collaboration, innovation and continual improvement, describing it as a community where staff and pupils are encouraged to grow, take positive risks and celebrate success together. The award of the IQM Inclusive School Award reflects the strength of Lansdowne’s inclusive practice and its commitment to ensuring every child can flourish.