A Haverhill school is celebrating after its “outstanding, caring environment” was recognised with a top award.

Castle Manor Academy has been awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence after high expectations at the school made a “huge impact” on progress, attitudes, behaviour and wellbeing.

Headteacher Vanessa Whitcombe said: “We are delighted to be recognised as an IQM Centre of Excellence – and to read the lovely report written following our accreditation visit.

“We firmly believe in inclusion and celebrating all of our students’ skills, talents and differences and look forward to working with the Centre of Excellence network.”

The award followed a two-day assessment earlier this year which saw assessors speak to members of the Student Parliament as well as witness older students supporting the school’s Sandcastles Nursery with their sports day.

They also spent time in the school’s Specialist Cognition and Learning Unit, The Arch, and spoke with parents and governors.

As part of their report, the assessment described Castle Manor as being a “small family school at the heart of the community”.