Inclusion Quality Mark - Centre of Excellence

St. Anthony’s Primary School and Nursery Unit, Craigavon Achieves Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence Status

St. Anthony’s Primary School and Nursery Unit, Craigavon, is delighted to announce that, following its recent success in becoming a School of Sanctuary, the school has now achieved the prestigious Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) and has also been awarded Centre of Excellence status.

The recognition follows a rigorous two-day assessment carried out on 14th and 15th May by IQM Assessor, Sarah Liddell. This significant achievement reflects the dedication, commitment and shared vision of the entire school community in creating an inclusive, supportive and nurturing environment where every child is valued and encouraged to thrive.

As part of the assessment process, the school underwent a detailed and comprehensive evaluation. This included scrutiny of evidence gathered by the IQM Lead, alongside external documentation such as pupils’ workbooks and the school website. During the two-day visit, meetings were also held with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, governors, staff, parents and carers, pupils and key external partners.

In her assessor’s report, Sarah Liddell stated:

“St Anthony’s is a large maintained primary school with a current enrolment of 689 pupils. It serves a diverse community in an area with significant economic and social challenges. There is a much higher than average proportion of pupils who have a diagnosis of autism, currently around 10% of the pupil population.”

“Despite being a large primary school, St Anthony’s has a small school feeling. Staff, parents and pupils all describe it as being a family and spoke of St Anthony’s being an integral part of the community.”

“The staff at St Anthony’s are inspirational in their commitment and drive to ensure that they create the environment and opportunities for every pupil to succeed. The senior leaders and the wider team demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusion. Every adult within this school is dedicated to and passionate about the inclusion agenda.”

‘We are all different and that’s what makes the whole world bright and beautiful.’ This statement made by a pupil during a Year 3 assembly perfectly sums up the assessment of St Anthony’s Primary School.”

The report recognised the school’s strong inclusive ethos and the commitment shown by staff, pupils and the wider community in ensuring that all children feel safe, respected and supported.