Childwall Academy first Liverpool school to achieve coveted national award

Staff, students, parents, and governors at Childwall Sports and Science Academy have been celebrating after they were awarded the coveted National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) Challenge Award.

The award was given in recognition of school-wide commitment to high-quality provision for more able learners, within the context of challenge for all. Childwall Academy is the first school in Liverpool to achieve the award, which only 2% of UK schools hold.

NACE CEO, Rob Lightfoot, said: “Childwall Academy has worked successfully to attain the NACE Challenge Award. The school has shown it is committed to developing an environment in which all learners are both challenged and supported to be the best they can be.”

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 an 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.

Christabel Shepherd, NACE director of challenge and curriculum development, said: “We were very impressed by the school’s ambition to provide challenge for all learners through the rigorous development and consistent application of evidence-based practice within an ambitious curriculum, delivered by expert and creative staff.

“As a result, students regularly experience opportunities to think deeply, make connections between concepts and become more independent in their learning.”

Ms Vincent, headteacher of Childwall Sports and Science Academy, said: “Attaining the Challenge Award is very important to us. Our school motto of ‘Learning without limits’ means something to our school community.

“We are delighted that the assessor can see that students and staff at Childwall Sports and Science Academy are ambitious and continue to develop learning opportunities that are of the highest standard.”

One student said: “‘Our teachers make us think harder. They encourage us to critique and build on each other’s ideas, and instead of giving us an answer they encourage us to think more to come up with our own responses.”

One parent commented: “The school knows and supports my son and every student effectively. Teachers and students have excellent positive relationships as do student peers which has made my son feel proud of being more able.”