From the SIP’s Desk: Leading the Way in Inclusive Excellence

As the School Improvement Partner (SIP) at Reigate Grammar School Riyadh (RGSR), my focus is on ensuring our strategic vision translates into measurable excellence for every student. It is with great pride that I share a historic milestone for our community: RGSR has officially been awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) International Inclusive School Award.

A Strategic Milestone

This award is a validation of our core belief that “inclusive practice is the foundation of high-quality learning”. The assessment process was rigorous, involving an intensive review of our campuses, curriculum, and culture by the assessor, Ms Maria Sharples. The findings confirm that RGSR successfully “opens its doors to all,” effectively challenging the traditional selective nature often associated with the “Grammar School” name.

This achievement is a testament to the dedicated leadership of our Executive Headteacher, Heads of Schools, and our tireless inclusion leads: Asma Safadi, Assistant Head of Inclusion, and Aabeda Pandor, our Prep SENCo. Their commitment has built a highly skilled team of specialist teachers and support staff who ensure every child thrives.

A Summary of Excellence: The Assessor’s Findings

The IQM assessment was a rigorous evaluation of every facet of school life. The resulting report provides a glowing summary of our school’s unique strengths:

• A “Grammar School” for All: The assessor noted our success in redefining the “Grammar school” label by being a school that “opens its doors to all”. We were praised for maintaining a foundation of “equity, equality, and inclusivity” while achieving outstanding academic results, such as our 2025 IGCSEs where 60% of students achieved A-A grades*.
• A Culture “Beyond Inclusion”: A key highlight was the finding that our community fosters a culture that goes “beyond inclusion” to create a true sense of belonging. Whether a student is highly gifted or part of our Enhanced Provision (EP) with complex neurodiverse needs, they are viewed as having a “personalised learning journey”.

• Expert Collaborative Teams: The report lauded the “camaraderie and collaboration” between our teachers and our highly skilled inclusion teams. Our Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and Teaching Assistants (TAs) were singled out for their “intuitive nature” and expertise in using scaffolds to support students without lowering the academic challenge.
• Exemplary Student Values: Our students were praised for their “exemplary behaviour” and for genuinely practising our CIRCLE values. The assessor was particularly moved by the “Buddying” system and the “Friendship Bench,” noting that students from over 60 nationalities support one another with courtesy and respect.
• Innovative Pathways: The introduction of the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) was highlighted as an “excellent step” in providing diverse vocational routes for our senior students

The assessor’s report highlighted several areas where our school is setting a new standard for education in the region:

The Road to “Centre of Excellence”

Due to “exceptional practice,” RGSR has been recommended for the prestigious Centre of Excellence status, a rare global distinction for leaders in inclusive education. This achievement is a shared success for our staff, students, and parents, serving as a springboard for our continued commitment to excellence in Riyadh.

Ann Philip