Sancton Wood School has been awarded the NACE Challenge Award by the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE), recognising a school-wide commitment to challenging every pupil. We are proud to be the only school in Cambridge to hold the award.
The award celebrates a simple belief that runs through the school, from our youngest children in Nursery to our Year 11 pupils: every child should be supported, stretched and encouraged to reach their full potential.
To earn the accreditation, we put together evidence of our work and the difference it makes. A NACE assessor then spent time at Sancton Wood, visiting lessons and speaking with pupils, staff and governors.
The assessor’s report found “a clear and inclusive whole-school philosophy for challenge”, with “stretch, curiosity and high expectations for all”. It described pupils who “think deeply, ask questions and take intellectual risks”, and teachers who “know pupils well and communicate high expectations”. Pupils were also seen to enjoy their learning, to join in and try out ideas, and to keep going when something was difficult.
The report also recognised the strength of leadership at the school, the support teachers receive to keep developing their practice, the breadth of the curriculum and enrichment on offer, and the positive views of pupils and parents. Together with strong outcomes for more able pupils, these provided secure evidence of the school’s approach.
More than 500 schools across England, Wales and internationally hold the Challenge Award, and schools are reassessed every three years to keep it. Sancton Wood will continue to build on its work and share what it learns with other schools.
Paul K. Ainsworth, CEO of NACE, said:
Congratulations are in order. This prestigious award celebrates how Sancton Wood School support their pupils to realise their potential, and the whole school community should be proud of this achievement.
We are delighted to have achieved this award. It reflects the strength of our curriculum, the quality of our teaching, and the way our pupils are encouraged to think deeply, take risks, develop independence and make the most of the opportunities across school life. We would like to thank our pupils, staff, governors and parents for everything they contribute to our school community.
To find out more about the award, visit nace.co.uk/challenge. As featured in the Cambridge Edition.
