West Bromwich Collegiate Academy achieves Inclusive Attendance Bronze Award

West Bromwich Collegiate Academy has achieved the Inclusive Attendance Bronze Award, recognising its commitment to creating a positive academy experience where students feel supported, connected and able to make the most of every opportunity.

The award was presented during a Trust-wide Inclusive Attendance Conference, held at the new Shireland Training Centre in Oldbury. The event brought together academy leaders and attendance teams from across the Trust to celebrate progress, share learning and look ahead to the next stage of the Inclusive Attendance Standard.

The Inclusive Attendance Standard is a professional development programme designed to help schools build a culture where attendance is recognised as a shared responsibility across the whole school community. The Bronze Award is the first stage of the programme and recognises schools that have demonstrated a clear commitment to inclusive attendance through reflection, implementation and evidence-informed practice.

At West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, the development journey has provided an opportunity for staff to reflect on the link between attendance and the wider student experience. This includes how positive relationships, engagement and opportunities beyond the classroom contribute to students’ personal and academic development.

The Academy will now progress towards the Silver Award stage of the Inclusive Attendance Standard, continuing to build on the work already established and further strengthening its approach to supporting students and families.

Mary Henderson, Principal at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, said: “Students achieve their best when they feel that school is a place where they belong and where they are encouraged to be the best version of themselves. That comes from the relationships they build, the experiences they have and the confidence they develop along the way.

“Attendance is an important part of that journey because it gives young people the opportunity to be involved in everything academy life has to offer. Our focus is always on working alongside students and families to create a community where young people feel valued and have the confidence to embrace the opportunities available to them.”

Through its continued focus on inclusive attendance, West Bromwich Collegiate Academy is strengthening the foundations that enable students to engage fully with their education, develop positive relationships and achieve their aspirations.