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Hove Learning Federation has been recognised for outstanding, inclusive practice after a highly positive Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Flagship evaluation sees it retain its prestigious flagship status.
It is an accolade awarded to only a small number of schools nationwide and Hove Junior School is the only school in Brighton and Hove to have the Centre of Excellence status.
Reaffirming its position as a national leader in inclusion, wellbeing and mental health, the review praised the Federation’s exceptional inclusive culture, strong mental health provision and strategic leadership. It highlights its deeply embedded values; Love of learning, equality and inclusion, aiming high, respect and kindness, and nurture and safety which underpin every aspect of school life and shape a powerful whole-community approach where every child feels valued and able to flourish.
Inspectors praised the warm, welcoming environment created for families, noting commitment to equality, respect and removing barriers so that every child, whatever their background or need, can fully access learning and feel a true sense of belonging. They also recognised the federation-wide ethos that defines daily life, described as “a family of friends who learn together,” with pupils calling their experience “incredible,” “amazing,” and “everything is the best.”
Executive Headteacher Maddie Southern said: “This IQM recognition reflects exactly what our Federation strives to be which is a joyful, inclusive community where every child feels proud of who they are and are supported to achieve their best. It is wonderful to see the IQM Flagship evaluation highlight the strength of our mental health provision, pupil voice, anti-racism work and our partnerships with families, which sit at the heart of what makes our schools such special places to learn.
“I’d like to thank Charlotte Wallace, our Inclusion Manager, and Bridget Rennie, our Designated Mental Health Lead, whose tireless work over the past year, alongside our whole school staff team across both sites, continues to shape our nurturing and inclusive culture. This recognition belongs to our entire community, from our brilliant pupils to our incredibly supportive families, and we are immensely proud.”
Lisa Marshall, Chair of the Governing Board for Hove Learning Federation said: “This evaluation highlights the Federation’s long-term strategic commitment to nurturing inclusion, pupil wellbeing and community cohesion. Inclusive practice is not simply an aspiration, but a guiding principle embedded in leadership, curriculum and the daily lived experience of children.
“The Governing Board is particularly proud of how the Federation has strengthened its strategic approach, ensuring inclusion remains central to every decision and future priority with the evaluation confirming Hove Learning Federation stands as a leading example of inclusive education in practice.”
Hove Learning Federation is also well regarded for its diversity and inclusion focus by Ofsted with Hove Junior School’s June 2025 Ofsted Outstanding inspection noting its welcoming and inclusive environment, where diversity is celebrated and pupils are proud to belong.
The November 2024 Ofsted Outstanding Infant School inspection also praised the infants school for providing a sense of belonging even in a larger school setting so pupils feel “known and heard” and ensuring pupils actively shape school policies, enhancing well-being and engagement. The inspection also noted pupils demonstrate strong understanding of equality, kindness, spirituality, and fairness – reflecting readiness for life in modern Britain.
Hove Learning Federations is the largest primary federation in the city spanning three sites at School Road, Portland Road, and Holland Road with all sites rated Ofsted outstanding in all areas. Educating nearly 1,200 primary-aged pupils, Hove Learning Federation will continue building on its Outstanding rated success across all its schools and remains committed to providing a high-quality education for every child.
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