Rutherford School is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Centre of Excellence status, recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to inclusive education and excellence in meeting the needs of all learners.
This significant achievement reflects the dedication, passion, and collaborative efforts of our entire school community in creating an environment where every child is valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
The IQM Centre of Excellence status is awarded to schools that demonstrate exceptional inclusive practice and a sustained commitment to continuous improvement. It recognises schools that not only embed inclusion at the heart of everything they do but also actively share their expertise and support other schools in developing inclusive approaches.
The assessor praised Rutherford School’s strong ethos of belonging, high expectations for all pupils, and the positive relationships that underpin learning across the school. The report highlighted the school’s commitment to ensuring that every pupil, regardless of need or background, has access to high-quality learning opportunities and the support required to succeed.
Headteacher, Suzanna Bance said:
“We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as an IQM Centre of Excellence. This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and compassion of our staff, governors, pupils, families, and wider community. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe every child deserves the opportunity to flourish in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and inspired to achieve their best. We are honoured to receive this recognition and look forward to sharing our practice with other schools as part of the IQM Centre of Excellence network.”
As an IQM Centre of Excellence, Rutherford School will continue to champion inclusive education while working collaboratively with schools across the region to share best practice, promote innovation, and contribute to improving outcomes for all children.
This achievement reinforces Rutherford School’s vision of providing an outstanding education where diversity is celebrated, barriers to learning are removed, and every pupil is encouraged to reach their full potential.
The school would like to thank its dedicated staff, supportive parents and carers, governors, and, most importantly, its wonderful pupils, whose enthusiasm and determination make Rutherford School such a special place to learn and grow.