Sturry CE Primary School has been recognised with the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School and Centre of Excellence Award, celebrating its exceptional commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and innovative teaching.
Assessed in October 2025, the report highlighted that “every member of the school community told me the same thing, described the environment and experience at Sturry in the same way and I witnessed this on walking round. They love the school, whether they work or learn here, they are passionate about the whole experience offered.”
The assessor praised the school’s strong sense of belonging and shared purpose:
“They focus on ensuring every child and adult feels like they belong, they are all seen and valued and that “everyone is wanted.””
Headteacher Michelle Mannings was commended for her leadership and hands-on approach, with the report noting that she “is seen and known around the school, sometimes covering a class or taking an intervention to support the pupils and staff.” This dedication, supported by a trust-wide structure designed to remove unnecessary bureaucracy, allows staff to focus on what matters most – the children.
Teachers and support staff described a school where collaboration, creativity and mutual respect drive everything they do. One teacher shared, “Prior to coming to Sturry, I doubted myself, but here I am believed in, and the Headteacher is my biggest champion.” Another added, “In my previous school you had to manage on your own. Here the attitude is that there is help if you need it, to learn, grow and help others.”
Parents, too, spoke of the school’s exceptional care, with one commenting, “It feels like we are supported right from the gate, and my child is safe from the start.”
The report also highlighted the strong sense of teamwork that underpins Sturry’s inclusive culture. As one teaching assistant said, “Inclusion isn’t one person’s responsibility at Sturry. We’re a team.”
Children’s pride in their school and joy for learning were clear throughout the assessor’s visit. The report recalls pupils speaking enthusiastically about their teachers, their lessons, and the sense of belonging they feel every day.
“We love being here and the learning is so fun! The teachers make the learning come to life!”
“Learning is fun, it’s never boring here and it’s exciting. If I’m worried, I speak to an adult, so I feel safe.”
“You can trust your teacher, always, anytime!”
The report emphasised how the children also demonstrated an impressive understanding of inclusion and kindness, showing empathy and maturity beyond their years.
“We are all different and some children need more help than others and I like to help other children. We all help each other!”
“We ‘go and do likewise’ in our school. This means go and do what you can for others. Be a role model.”
The assessor noted how pupils take pride in their learning and in supporting one another. Their comments reflect a culture where every child is encouraged to take ownership of their learning, try new things and never give up.
“What matters is trying your best, never give up, take part!”
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive the IQM Inclusive School Award. This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our whole school community whose children, staff and families make Sturry such a special place to learn and work. Inclusion isn’t something extra we do; it’s who we are. Every child here is noticed, valued and successful. I’m incredibly proud of our staff team, who live our vision every day and ensure every child feels they belong.” – Michelle Mannings, Headteacher
The assessor concluded that Sturry fully met the standard required for the Inclusive School Award, and since publication, the school has gone on to achieve IQM Centre of Excellence status – an exceptional accomplishment that recognises its capacity to develop and share outstanding inclusive practice.
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.”
Sturry’s rapid progression to this higher level reflects its deeply embedded culture of inclusion and its influence beyond its own community.
The Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) is a national framework that celebrates schools which foster a culture of inclusion, where every child is valued and supported to succeed. Earning this award demonstrates that Sturry CE Primary School not only meets, but exceeds, the standards of an inclusive, nurturing, and forward-thinking school community.
You can find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award here: https://iqmaward.com/
