We recently took part in our annual IQM inspection. We are pleased to announce that we have maintained our Flagship status. This is held by less than 100 schools in the UK and reflects our commitment to Inclusion. We have included some of the inspector’s thoughts below:

• Horizon Community College (HCC) is an excellent inclusive, secondary school in Barnsley. The school’s vision comments on the ‘changes to the economic, cultural and social landscape of Barnsley,’ and leaders are aware that it is their responsibility as a collective staff body, to prepare students for this reality.
• The dedicated and enthusiastic staff provide excellent support, care and learning experiences in an outstanding inclusive environment. Students were candid and willing to share their views. The school’s conduct and behaviour reflect a mutual respect and partnership and all should be immensely proud of their achievements.
• Staff prioritise relationships with students, greeting them each morning and ensuring visibility throughout the day. They engage with students in the corridors and during duty, fostering positive interactions. I observed a staff member effectively calming excited students at lunchtime, resulting in immediate positive responses.
• Students themselves spoke highly of the interventions they access and how it has helped them to regulate their behaviour, with one student talking animatedly about how her Thrive session is what gets her into school every Monday!
• Feedback from parents reflects positive changes in students at home and have described how this has supported family dynamics.
• When contemplating reasonable adjustments, they understand the importance of implementing initiatives without compromising standards. They maintain that student responsibility and accountability are key, whilst acknowledging that there is still work to be done with some students in having accountability for their actions on others.
• Working with parents, the school communicates understanding without condoning misconduct.