A Newcastle studio school has been praised for its approach to inclusion, gaining recognition for its ongoing commitment to provide the very best education for all children irrespective of differences.
Following a lengthy process of self-evaluation, feedback and a formal two-day assessment visit from inspectors, Studio West in West Denton has not only been awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) but has also been named as a Centre of Excellence for inclusion.
To qualify for the IQM award, schools must be able to demonstrate that inclusion has a school-wide impact and is sustainable. The Centre of Excellence Award recognises those IQM Inclusive Schools which continue to demonstrate a commitment to outstanding levels of inclusive best practice.
According to the IQM, true inclusion in an educational setting means that every student and staff member is valued, their educational and personal needs are met, and strong relationships are fostered with parents and the wider community.
Studio West’s IQM report highlights several key strengths of the school, including outstanding leadership and staff commitment, an innovative curriculum, supportive pastoral care, community engagement and effective use of technology.
In the report, the assessor states that “Inclusion is a cornerstone of everything undertaken at Studio West” going on to say that “every individual is well-known and valued at Studio West” and that “wellbeing is integral for both staff and pupils.” The dedication of the Leadership Team, staff, and students in fostering a nurturing environment – where communication and support are paramount – is commended.
The report highly praises Studio West’s Attendance and Inclusion team for “going above and beyond the requirements of a school, to support and encourage families experiencing barriers to engaging with school. The tenacity of this team’s members and director is having a significant impact on pupils and their families.” It also quotes one pupil who describes the support given to her by the Attendance and Inclusion team as “literally life changing.”
The assessor notes that staff are happy and listened to, and that they have respect for the Principal and the changes he has made, with one member of staff reporting “This year, it feels like everything that happens is purposeful.”
The school is praised for the “huge strides” it has made to “support pupils with attendance, punctuality, access to alternative provision where required, and carefully phased returns to mainstream when this is appropriate.”
During the assessor’s visit, both pupils and parents commented on the positive differences they have seen in classrooms, behaviour, support and in the Leadership team. Studio West’s intrinsic curriculum is also commended, whilst the recently introduced elective curriculum is described as a “revolutionary approach to several very important aspects of school life.” The elective curriculum provides a host of options to students at the end of each school day, including cooking, scrapbooking, drama, Japanese films and more. This initiative has become so popular within the school community that it has significantly improved attendance and punctuality. Students are highly motivated to participate in these sessions and make a concerted effort to avoid sanctions that could result in losing their elective curriculum opportunities.
Mr Andrew Dryden, Principal of Studio West, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, “This award is wonderful recognition for everyone at Studio West and reflects our commitment to creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported. I’m really proud to have been awarded the IQM Award but even more thrilled that we have been recognised as a Centre of Excellence. It’s wonderful that the assessor sees the school as we see it every day – with high pupil engagement, calm corridors, settled and purposeful classrooms and pupils enjoying their lessons, particularly their elective curriculum.”
Mr Adam Ainley, Operational Lead for Deep Support at Northern Leaders Trust, to which Studio West belongs, added “Developing life skills and ensuring effective teaching and learning are fundamental to an inclusive school and as a studio school, we are wholly committed to equipping our pupils with the necessary skills for life after school. However, what truly defines an inclusive school is its commitment to being a learning environment for everyone in its community. Andrew and the team should be very proud that the IQM report recognises the high levels of family liaison, effective communication and community engagement which makes Studio West what it is. The team is truly deserving of this award!”
Chief Executive Officer of Northern Leaders Trust, Mr Lee Kirtley, said “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone at Studio West. The IQM report is a delight to read and encapsulates how the school ensures its pupils are at the centre of everything it does. Across our Trust, we want every individual to feel important, valued and empowered to reach their potential, regardless of their circumstances and this report affirms that we are on the right path.”
The IQM report can be found here.
Studio West is part of the Newcastle-based Northern Leaders Trust alongside Kenton School.
6 February 2025