Thorns Collegiate Academy is delighted to announce it has been awarded the SENDIA SEND Inclusion Award, recognising its exceptional commitment to supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The award is presented to schools that demonstrate exceptional inclusive practice and a deep commitment to the development and wellbeing of all learners. The award is widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in SEND provision, evaluating leadership, student outcomes, staff training and the creation of inclusive learning environments.
In its assessment, SENDIA commended the Academy for its ‘excellent leadership and commitment to SEND’, noting that ‘a commitment to inclusion is embedded in the overall ethos at Thorns’. The report also highlighted the Academy’s success in fostering a ‘safe and calm’ inclusive environment that has been ‘thoughtfully planned and resourced’.
The award also recognises the school’s collaborative approach, where SEND, wellbeing and pastoral teams ‘triage individual cases to ensure the most effective provision and intervention’. Staff were praised for their ‘passion and drive’ and for their active involvement in systems that promote sustainable improvements in SEND practice.
Nikki Jones, Principal at Thorns Collegiate Academy, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received this award. It is a true reflection of the tireless dedication, compassion and professionalism of our entire staff team.
“At Thorns, inclusion isn’t a box-ticking exercise – it’s a core value that drives everything we do. Every learner, regardless of their needs, deserves to feel seen, supported, and successful. This award is both a celebration and a responsibility. We will continue to build on this recognition, striving to offer an outstanding and nurturing environment where every young person can thrive and reach their full potential.”
The award affirms Thorns Collegiate Academy’s role as a leader in inclusive education within the West Midlands, setting a powerful example of how high quality SEND provision can transform lives.
