York High School has been officially awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award, in recognition of its exceptional commitment to inclusion, community engagement, student support and academic achievement.
Following the lengthy process of self-evaluation, feedback and a formal two-day assessment visit from assessors, York High School has not only been awarded the IQM but has also been named as a Centre of Excellence for inclusion.
The York school is the fourth school belonging to Excel Learning Trust to receive the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM).
The IQM provides UK schools with a nationally recognised validation of their inclusive practice and ongoing commitment to developing educational inclusion. 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.
In the IQM report, assessor, Ms Sylvia Cramp stated “York High School is fully committed to placing inclusion at the centre” where “Under the passionate and dedicated leadership of a committed senior team, all students are embraced as individuals with opportunities to build on their strengths and achieve their potential.” She also describes the school as having a “calm and focused environment”, where pupils are proud of their achievements and speak openly about the support they have accessed.
York High’s Principal, Mr Gavin Kumar, who has been in post since September 2024, is praised in the report for fostering a nurturing, transparent culture and recognised by staff for working with them “in making valuable changes.”
With over 40% of students meeting the criteria for disadvantaged, 35% on the SEND register and an increasing number of EAL (English as an Additional Language) students, York High is commended for its tangible and creative efforts to solve barriers and open more doors for its students and their families.
A recent reset of behaviour expectations and curriculum delivery, together with a new leadership model, all underpinned by a strong mantra of ‘Resilience, Aspiration, Success’ has set the foundations for effectively placing inclusion at the heart of the school, which is now seeing improved performance, fewer suspensions and improving attendance.
Gavin Kumar, Principal at York High School said “We are absolutely committed to giving every child the best chance possible, regardless of their additional needs or academic aspirations. Colleagues are genuinely proud to support students to develop both academically and personally, and in turn we will do everything we can to support staff too. We are also lucky to have wonderful partnerships with external agencies, excellent support from the Trust and strong relationships with parents, carers and our community.”
Sue Wight, Director of SEN and Safeguarding at Excel Learning Trust added “It is a pleasure to work with colleagues at York High and they thoroughly deserve this recognition. The York High team make every effort to get to know their pupils well, even before they join the school in Year 7 and this, coupled with their creative approach to embracing their whole school community, means that York High has become the school of choice for many families, with Year 7 places now oversubscribed. The team here really do go the extra mile to help their pupils achieve.”
Parents who spoke with the IQM assessor described the school as “transformational” for their children, praising the speed of support, engaging teaching, and “incredible” staff dedication. The report also credits the Pastoral Team for their “relentless work” and readiness “to address any barrier to school attendance and learning.” Talking about his son, one parent shared “I hoped he’d survive but actually he’s thrived.”
In the report, teachers at York High described York High as “A special place to work.” Mr Kumar also acknowledged that he had “never worked with a staff who are so supportive of each other.”
Chief Executive Officer of Excel Learning Trust, Mark Hassack, said “Congratulations to Gavin and the team at York High on their award! Inclusion is truly at the heart of the school and is demonstrated through their student-centric approach to leadership and teaching, their unwavering support for all students and the desire to help families with all aspects of life. The range of support for all is incredible – particularly for those who are refugees, EAL students, those with SEND, those who have previously been persistently absent and those facing other difficult life challenges – but the York High community go further, ensuring that they are working with the whole family, making sure people have food and uniform and that children are not more disadvantaged because of their circumstances.”
Plans are already underway to build on current success with enhanced EAL provision, expanded student leadership, and even stronger parent partnerships.
Millthorpe School, which is also part of York-based Excel Learning Trust, was the first school in the city to achieve IQM status in March 2024. Two other Trust schools, Woodthorpe Primary and Knavesmire Primary also have the IQM Award.
York High School’s IQM report can be found at: https://www.yorkhighschool.co.uk/inclusion-quality-mark/
20 June 2025
Photo: back row, l-r: Jess Jackson, SENDCo at York High School; Gavin Kumar, Principal at York High School; Sue Wight, Director of SEN and Safeguarding at Excel Learning Trust; Victoria Burns, Vice Principal at York High School pictured with York High School pupils.
