We are delighted to be named as the 51st school to be accredited for the third time with the prestigious NACE Challenge Award by The National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE).
The Challenge Award is given for high quality work in challenging all children, particularly more able learners, to achieve their best. It is a whole-school project that aims to improve outcomes and teaching practice, to stretch more able students and to 'remove the ceiling' for all students.
“Upton House is a highly aspirational and successful school… It seeks new opportunities to enable an increasing number of more able pupils to follow their passions and interests.”
Challenge Award assessment report
To achieve reaccreditation, a school must demonstrate that it continues to develop outstanding teaching and learning, a high level of challenge for all, a culture of high expectations and aspirations, and the understanding that ability can be revealed across a range of specific domains and not only in traditional academic subjects.
“Teachers provide challenge through a range of strategies … which encourage pupils to think hard. In all the lessons observed, there was a buzz of activity because pupils were positively engaged with and enjoying their learning.”
Challenge Award assessment report
Upton House School plays an important role within the international community of Challenge Award-accredited schools, displaying a commitment to meeting the needs of more able learners and sharing their expertise for the wider benefit of the education community.
