Lansdowne Primary School has been recognised with the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award and the IQM Centre of Excellence Award, celebrating its exceptional commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and inspirational teaching and learning.
Assessed in November 2025, the report described Lansdowne as “a thriving school” where there is “an extraordinary sense of excitement and creativity around the learning.” Staff and pupils alike spoke proudly about their school, the opportunities it offers and the strong relationships that underpin every aspect of daily life.
One child explained, “Teachers are very kind; they listen to us. We are rewarded when we do better than the standard. We are welcomed by name every morning, so we know we are safe.” Relationships across the school community were repeatedly highlighted as a strength, with the assessor noting that “trust is felt across the community.”
Headteacher, Rachel Lawson, described Lansdowne as a place where “every child needs a champion. They need to feel safe, noticed, valued and this school is that safe space.” This sense of belonging was echoed by staff, pupils and parents throughout the visit.
Staff spoke passionately about their work:
“This isn’t just a job; we love doing it. We want to make a difference. Children are valued and so are we.”
The school’s values – respectful, inclusive, successful and empathetic – were apparent everywhere the assessor visited, and were spoken about naturally by both adults and children. Pupils proudly shared how they earn badges for kindness, effort, teamwork and leadership, with one explaining how proud they feel when celebrated in this way.
Teachers and support staff described a culture where no one works in isolation. Instead, staff collaborate closely, share ideas and support one another. As one teacher explained:
“We are always learning and encouraged to do so. We all want each other to shine, so we make sure no one gets left behind.”
Lansdowne’s leadership team models this same collaborative culture. SLT maintain an open-door policy for staff, children and parents, and the report praised the school’s strong staff retention and high levels of professional trust:
“Two groups of staff explained they have stayed for a long time because of the culture of being seen, valued and supported.”
Children spoke enthusiastically about their lessons, their teachers and the many ways they can choose to show their understanding. The assessor noted pupils’ excitement as they shared examples of acting out learning, creating videos, making posters or choosing digital tools that best suited their needs.
Pupil voice was a clear strength of the school:
“Lots of schools have dojos, but we get badges, and the more we get, the more we are celebrated.”
“If someone feels down, someone will go and check on them.”
“You are always welcome here, no matter your skin colour or your special needs.”
Children also described how systems such as Zones of Regulation, the REFLECT tool, and access to regulation spaces help them feel calm, safe and ready to learn.
Parents spoke highly of the school’s support, warmth and communication. One parent shared:
“Even the staff working on reception know my child by name, as does the Headteacher.”
“My child loves coming into school and I feel safe leaving him here.”
Others praised the school’s flexibility in supporting children’s individual needs and transitions, including programmes such as Rising 4 and Aim Higher for Year 6.
The assessor concluded that Lansdowne fully met the standard required for the Inclusive School Award and recommended the school consider applying for Centre of Excellence status. Since the publication of the report, Lansdowne has now achieved IQM Centre of Excellence status – a significant accomplishment awarded to only a small number of schools nationwide.
As the IQM framework explains:
“We know some schools join IQM with the aim of recognising their outstanding and established inclusive provision. Therefore, it is possible for schools to be considered for Centre of Excellence status after their first assessment.”
Just weeks after Sturry CE Primary School received the same dual accolade, Lansdowne has now been recognised at this higher level. This reflects the deeply embedded culture of inclusion across both schools and the shared Trust ethos that places children’s wellbeing, safety and success at the heart of everything.
The Inclusion Quality Mark is a national framework that celebrates schools which foster a culture of inclusion, where every child is valued, supported and empowered to succeed. Achieving both the Inclusive School Award and Centre of Excellence status demonstrates that Lansdowne Primary School not only meets, but exceeds, the standards of an inclusive, nurturing and forward-thinking school community.
Find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award here: https://iqmaward.com/
