Inclusion Award: The John Wallis CoE Academy

(Copyright text, John Wallis Academy, reproduced with kind permission)  



The John Wallis Church of England Academy has been awarded both the Inclusion 

Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award and the prestigious IQM Centre of 

Excellence (CoE) status, a recognition held by less than 1% of schools nationally. 

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that schools typically take 

around three years to progress to Centre of Excellence status. However, The John 

Wallis Academy was awarded the recognition immediately due to the exceptional 

quality, impact and reach of its inclusive practice. 

The national assessment praised the academy’s “unwavering commitment to high 

standards and aspirational outcomes for all pupils” and described inclusion as being 

“at the heart of the academy’s ethos.” 

Mrs Kelly McBeath, Director of Inclusion and Head of Primary, said: 

“We are incredibly proud that our work has been recognised in this way. Inclusion is 

not an initiative at John Wallis — it is who we are. 

We know many parents are understandably concerned about inclusion and what the 

future may look like following the Government’s recent White Paper proposals. At John 

Wallis, we are embracing the opportunity and remain fully committed to doing even 

more. 

Achieving Centre of Excellence status so quickly reflects the passion and dedication of 

our staff, students, families and wider community. We are already looking at how we 

can expand our inclusive offer further so that we can meet the growing demand and 

support even more children and families locally.” 

Inspectors highlighted the academy’s strong culture of belonging, its ambitious 

curriculum, exceptional pastoral support and its commitment to ensuring “no pupil is 

left behind.”

The report praised the academy’s work locally, nationally and internationally, 

recognising partnerships with families, community organisations and global inclusion 

projects. Staff and leaders have contributed to conferences and educational work in 

countries including Uganda, Kosovo and Kazakhstan, helping to influence inclusive 

practice beyond the UK. 

The academy’s “United as One – Together We Shine” campaign was also recognised 

as a leading example of promoting equality, diversity and belonging across the school 

and wider community. 

Inspectors described behaviour across the academy as “exemplary” and praised the 

strong relationships between pupils, staff and families. 

The final report concluded that The John Wallis Church of England Academy “fully 

meets the standard required” for the IQM award and identified the school as a leading 

example of inclusive education. 

Sojan Joseph wrote:

“I am delighted that The John Wallis Church of England 

Academy has been awarded both the Inclusion Quality Mark Inclusive School Award 

and the Centre of Excellence status. This is a fantastic achievement – and I 

congratulate all the staff, students, and the wider school community. 

“At a time when children are facing growing mental health challenges and 

communities feel increasingly divided, providing support and fostering a sense of 

togetherness has never been more important. I stay in regular contact with the team 

at John Wallis Academy and am consistently impressed by their dedication to ensuring 

inclusivity is an essential part of the school community.”