Leigh Academy Milestone Awarded World School Status by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO): A Global First for Special Educational Needs Schools.
Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) is proud to announce that Leigh Academy Milestone, one of its outstanding special academies, has become the first Special Educational Needs school in the world to be awarded World School status by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This groundbreaking achievement sets a new precedent for special education globally. The award builds on the exceptional curriculum development within the Trust over recent years which has seen 29 of its mainstream academies becoming IB World Schools, creating the largest IB community anywhere in Europe.
Leigh Academy Milestone’s recognition by the IBO highlights its innovative and inclusive approach to education, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils. The Primary Years Programme will provide students with a globally recognised, inquiry-led curriculum that fosters not only academic growth but also personal development, creativity and critical thinking. The uniqueness of the IB programme and commitment of the IB organisation to work with Leigh Academy Milestone has resulted in an aspirational framework delivering personalised learning of the highest standard. The whole student is considered in a truly holistic way so that learning and inquiry is possible through every sense and hook for engagement. This exciting development reinforces LAT’s commitment to ensuring that every student has access to world-class educational opportunities.
Simon Beamish, CEO of Leigh Academies Trust, commented:
“We are thrilled that Leigh Academy Milestone has become the first special school globally to achieve this accolade. This recognition from the IBO is a testament to the hard work and vision of the staff at Leigh Academy Milestone, who are committed to providing the very best opportunities for every pupil. It is a momentous achievement for special education as a whole, and we couldn’t be more proud.”
Sarah Goosani, Principal of Leigh Academy Milestone, added:
“This recognition is a reflection of the unique energy that each of our students brings to the academy every day, and the personalised approach that is at the heart of everything we do. At Leigh Academy Milestone, we invest significant time in understanding the needs of every student, ensuring they receive the most tailored, high-quality provision delivered by our skilled and dedicated staff.
We are a school that places the highest expectations on our community, and now, as an IB World School, we can extend our aspirations even further—acting locally so that our students can think globally. Achieving World School status and offering the PYP empowers our students to engage with the world in new ways, helping them to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to be independent, ‘happy aspirational learners’ in an interconnected world in an interconnected world.”
This achievement demonstrates Leigh Academies Trust’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and its mission of delivering “education for a better world”. By setting new standards for inclusivity and excellence, Leigh Academy Milestone’s success will hopefully inspire and influence special education around the globe.
