Fairfax Academy ADHD Award: A Sutton Coldfield school has been recognised for proactively supporting neurodiverse learners after winning a national award.
This kind of accreditation demonstrates that the school is going far beyond minimum SEND requirements. Schools across the country can work towards this national standard for ADHD‑inclusive practice, but only those that can show real, sustained change are awarded it.
As part of the process, staff at Fairfax Academy were trained and assessed by experts at Neurodiversity UK – learning about practical classroom strategies and personalised support.
Assistant Principal for Inclusion and Participation, Helen Williams, said: “This award is a significant milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, understanding, and supportive environment for every learner.
“Partnership with families and students has been central to this progress, helping the school better understand lived experiences and shape personalised approaches.”
She added: “We undertook a comprehensive process designed to foster a deeper understanding of neurodiversity across the entire school community. This was a whole‑school effort and commitment to inclusion at all levels.”
“This award is a significant milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, understanding, and supportive environment for every learner,”
– helen williams,
Assistant Principal for Inclusion and Participation
Principal, Sean Castle. said: “This award represents far more than the completion of training. It highlights the hard work of colleagues who have engaged thoughtfully with professional development, reflected on their own practice, and actively adapted teaching, support strategies and daily interactions to better meet the needs of our young people.
He added: “Neurodiversity can present challenges, but with the right knowledge and training, those challenges become opportunities to unlock potential, build confidence, and get the very best out of everyone.
“Achieving the ADHD Neurodiversity Award, alongside our recent National Wellbeing Award, powerfully showcases what Inclusion looks like in action at Fairfax Academy. A huge thank you to all staff for your ongoing commitment to inclusion and for making Fairfax Academy a place where everyone belongs.”