Carlton Bolling has won national recognition for its efforts to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and has been named winner of the Most Inclusive Practice Across a School category at the 2025 SEND Awards. This award celebrates schools that go above and beyond in supporting students with SEND, ensuring they are not only included, but empowered to thrive in every aspect of school life.
As one of the largest secondary schools in the country, serving a wonderfully diverse student population, Carlton Bolling has truly led the way in inclusive practice. The school has made huge strides to ensure that every pupil — regardless of need or background — feels valued, supported and inspired to achieve their very best. With a significant rise in the number of students identified with additional needs, Carlton Bolling has shown unwavering commitment to weaving inclusion throughout the whole school.
The judges were particularly impressed by the way the school’s vision of Excellence for All is brought to life every single day. At Carlton Bolling, supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is never left to a single department — it is a collective responsibility, shared by the entire staff team. From teaching and pastoral care to leadership and support services, everyone works together to ensure every young person has the chance to thrive.
Richard Daniel Curtis, Chair of the Judging Panel, said:
“With an award of this significance, judges look for schools that are above and beyond meeting their statutory duties, they look for schools whose culture embodies inclusion. The judges felt that the universal approach to meeting the needs of pupils with additional needs or disabilities at Carlton Bolling enables all students at the school to benefit from the support. This means that every pupil can access support when they need it.”
Alice Moulden, SENDCo at Carlton Bolling, expressed her pride in the team’s achievement:
“It’s a privilege to lead such a passionate and skilled team. Every day, they go above and beyond to ensure our students feel seen, supported, and valued. Their commitment to inclusion is unwavering, and it’s inspiring to see the difference they make in our students’ lives.”
Carlton Bolling’s inclusive ethos is deeply embedded in its culture. The school has invested in a 30-strong SEND team, including a non-teaching SENDCo, intervention managers, and learning support assistants. This team delivers over 25 targeted interventions weekly through the school’s innovative Ambition Hub – a dedicated space offering emotional, academic, and life skills support tailored to individual needs.
Ubaid Naseem, Deputy Head Teacher, added:
“We’re incredibly proud of this recognition. Our SEND provision is built on compassion, innovation, and a belief that every student deserves to succeed. From bespoke literacy programmes to SEND-specific trips and wraparound care, our approach is holistic and student-centred. This award is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the resilience of our students.”
One of the standout initiatives praised by the judges was Carlton Bolling’s innovative ‘new to English’ provision, designed to help refugee and asylum-seeking students build language skills and confidence. This is just one example of how the school is reimagining what truly inclusive provision should look like, so that every learner feels a sense of belonging and opportunity.
This award adds to Carlton Bolling’s growing list of accolades, including the School of Sanctuary Award, Careers Mark, and Physical Disabilities in School Award – all recognising the school’s unwavering dedication to equity, accessibility, and student wellbeing.
Find out more about the SEND Awards and this year’s winners here: 2025 Winners | The National Special Educational Needs and Disability Awards
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