Kentmere Academy and Nursery celebrates NACE Challenge Award accreditation

Mrs Nicola Howard, Head of School at Kentmere

Kentmere Academy and Nursey has been accredited with the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) Challenge Award.

The Rochdale school is the 451st school to be accredited with the accolade, given in recognition of school-wide commitment to high-quality provision for more able learners.

The award is based on the NACE Challenge Framework – which sets out criteria for high-quality provision for more able learners within a wider ethos of challenge for all – available as part of the NACE Challenge Development Programme, a suite of resources developed by NACE to help schools evaluate and improve their provision for more able learners.

To attain the Challenge Award, schools must complete a detailed self-evaluation using the NACE Challenge Framework, submit a portfolio of supporting evidence, and undertake assessment by a NACE associate.

The assessment process includes examination of school data and key documents; lesson observations; and interviews with school leaders, learners, parents and governors.

Mrs Nicola Howard, Head of School at Kentmere, said: "We are delighted to receive this award as part of our ongoing work to provide the highest quality education for all our pupils.

“The NACE challenge award has provided a platform to really focus on providing evidence based strategies for our pupils to raise attainment at greater depth."

Kentmere Academy and Nursery will now be invited to join the NACE Leading Schools Network, a community of schools which have demonstrated a sustained and effective commitment to meeting the needs of more able learners, and an interest in sharing expertise for the wider benefit of the education community.

NACE CEO Sue Riley said: “Kentmere Academy and Nursery has worked hard to attain accreditation through the NACE Challenge Award.

“It has shown itself to be committed to developing an environment in which all learners are challenged and supported to be the best they can be.”