Whipton Barton Federation Awarded Prestigious IQM Centre of Excellence for Inclusive Education
Whipton Barton Federation is proud to announce that it has been awarded the IQM Inclusive School Award and IQM Centre of Excellence status. This national recognition celebrates the school’s commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and ambitious environment for every child and every family.
The Centre of Excellence Award was achieved following a detailed review of the school’s provision. The assessment recognised that inclusion at Whipton Barton is not limited to special educational needs but is embedded across all areas of school life. This includes support for pupils with English as an Additional Language, strong relationships with families, meaningful community partnerships, and a culture where all children are encouraged to thrive.
The IQM assessor praised the school for seeing inclusion as a living process that continues to evolve. This approach is reflected in its teaching, leadership, pastoral care, and its work with families. The school’s commitment to supporting every pupil was highlighted as a clear strength, along with a strong ethos that places belonging and aspiration at the heart of daily practice.
Achieving Centre of Excellence status places Whipton Barton Federation within an elite network of schools across the country that share and shape inclusive practice. Members of the network collaborate through cluster groups, joint continuing professional development, and professional dialogue, ensuring that schools continue to innovate and learn from one another.
The school has also developed a Centre of Excellence action plan that focuses on continuing to strengthen inclusive teaching, extending community partnerships, and sharing expertise.
Staff at Whipton Barton Federation, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, are pleased to be recognised for their commitment to equity, community, and the belief that inclusion should benefit all pupils. The school looks forward to building on this achievement and contributing to inclusive education on a national scale.
Louise Moretta, Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said:
"We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition because it reflects the values that guide our school every day. Inclusion at Whipton Barton is not a policy on a page. It is a commitment to every child and every family, and it shapes the way we teach, support, and work together as a community."
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:
"Whipton Barton Federation is a school that lives its values. The team places inclusion at the heart of everything they do and always put children first. We are extremely proud to see their hard work and expertise recognised with this national award."
