Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) is delighted to announce that both of its special academies, Leigh Academy Milestone and Snowfields Academy, have now been awarded World School status by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) respectively. This significant achievement marks a global first for special educational needs academies and reaffirms LAT’s role as a leader in inclusive, forward-thinking SEN education.
Leigh Academy Milestone, one of LAT’s outstanding special academies, made history by becoming the first Special Educational Needs school in the world to gain this status in September. Now, Snowfields Academy has joined Leigh Academy Milestone in this groundbreaking achievement, expanding the provision of a globally recognised, inquiry-led curriculum to even more students with diverse and complex needs. Together, these academies are setting new standards in special education, underscoring LAT’s commitment to providing exceptional learning opportunities for all students.
With these latest achievements, LAT has successfully extended the exceptional curriculum development that saw 29 of its mainstream academies become IB World Schools, creating the largest IB community in Europe. Snowfields Academy and Leigh Academy Milestone’s recognition by the IBO reinforces LAT’s vision for inclusive, personalised education, where every student has access to a curriculum that nurtures academic growth, personal development, creativity, and critical thinking.
The Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme offer students an aspirational and engaging learning experience, with a focus on personalised learning that considers the whole child. The innovative approach provided by the IB programme ensures students are supported through a framework that embraces their unique strengths and capabilities, helping them to become active, confident learners who think critically and engage globally.
Simon Beamish, CEO of Leigh Academies Trust, commented:
“We are immensely proud of both Leigh Academy Milestone and Snowfields Academy for achieving IB World School status. To have not just one, but two special academies recognised by the IBO is a tremendous accolade, reflecting the dedication, innovation, and passion of our staff. This is a defining moment in the journey of special education, and we are excited about the future for our students as they benefit from the world-class education that the IB Programmes provide.”
Sarah Goosani, Principal of Leigh Academy Milestone, added:
“This recognition reflects the incredible effort of our entire school community, from students to staff. The Primary Years Programme will help our students engage with the world in ways they have never done before, enhancing their skills, knowledge, and confidence. As an IB World School, we remain committed to our goal of ensuring our students are prepared to be ‘happy aspirational learners’ in an interconnected world.”
Snowfields Academy’s recognition also brings a new level of aspiration and opportunity for its students. The leadership team at Snowfields Academy echoed these sentiments, noting how the introduction of the IB curriculum will provide a transformative experience, empowering students to see themselves as part of a global community. Snowfields Academy is well known for its personalised approaches, and the addition of the Middle Years Programme will allow students to develop their critical thinking and creativity in a supportive and inclusive setting.
Dee Pickerill, Principal of Snowfields Academy said,
“I am proud to say that our recent Middle Years Programme (MYP) report highlighted the strong culture of trust, respect, and collaboration we have fostered. Our teachers are dedicated to providing an inclusive and engaging learning environment, supporting each student’s growth through personalised approaches and a focus on the IB Learner Profile. This recognition affirms our commitment to developing confident, active learners who are ready to engage with the world and live well with their autism”.
This joint achievement by Leigh Academy Milestone and Snowfields Academy underlines Leigh Academies Trust’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and its mission of delivering “education for a better world”. The Trust hopes that these accomplishments will inspire other special education providers around the globe to adopt innovative practices and raise aspirations for every student.
