THE WARRINER SCHOOL RETAINS NATIONAL FLAGSHIP STATUS FOR INCLUSION
The Warriner School in Bloxham, Oxfordshire, has retained its status as an Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Flagship School after its latest review. The assessor recommended that the school retain the award without reservation.
Flagship status is held by schools that can demonstrate inclusive practice of an exceptionally high standard, and who share their expertise with other schools. In her report, IQM Assessor Hilary Thompson said the school “continues to move from strength to strength”.
The review focused on Warriner Plus, the school’s Alternative Provision, which supports students who struggle to access mainstream education because of behavioural, emotional or learning needs, exclusion or illness, with the aim of helping them to return to mainstream lessons.
The curriculum combines academic study with land-based learning on Warriner Farm, outdoor conservation work, bike and mechanics workshops and food technology. A Functional Skills programme has been added to support students with low reading ages. Students told the assessor that the provision was “the best thing ever”.
Around 400 of the school’s 1,600 students have identified additional needs.
The assessment also highlighted:
· Circles, a restorative and relational approach used in Year 7 and 8 mentor groups, staff meetings and reintegration meetings. Sixth Formers are now being trained to lead these sessions and 90% of students say they like Circles.
· The 16 x 16 pledge, which guarantees every student 16 foundational experiences before the end of Year 11. These include theatre trips, learning to cook a meal, careers events and farm education.
· Specialist provision, including The Hub – a transition space for Year 7, The Base – for students with communication and interaction needs, Study Support and Forest School.
· Sharing expertise, including running the school’s first SEND and inclusion conference in May 2026 with a second event planned for February 2027.
Sharon Nicholls, Headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud to retain Flagship status. This recognises the commitment of our staff and students to making sure every pupil feels they belong from day one at Warriner.”