A Horwich high school received recognition for its inclusivity after an assessment by Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM).

St Joseph's RC High School received an IQM Inclusive School Award after an assessment on two days last month.

James Harris, the assessor, said the high school on Chorley New Road should be recognised for its inclusivity in particular for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

St Joseph's is scrapping the term SEND as of next year to stop it from singling out those with educational needs.

Mr Harris said: "The headteacher is inspirational and he articulated a clear vision for St Joseph's to be a school where there is no need to categorise young people as SEND because meeting the needs of each young person is so embedded in everything the school does. This is an inspirational, inclusive vision for education and it is shared by the staff team."

Tony McCabe, the headteacher, and Nicola Yorke-Robinson, one of the deputy headteachers, welcomed the IQM Inclusive School Award.

Other developments at the high school include an installation of a lift for those with disabilities and an investment in training for the staff team.

Mr McCabe said: "Ultimately, we know we have to know all our children to meet their needs in the best way possible and we thank those who work with us to help us to improve what we offer for their child. It is this partnership which means we can celebrate together the achievement of the Inclusion Quality Mark."

Mrs Yorke-Robinson said: "We looked at how we could improve the way everyone in our community feels a sense of belonging: those with trauma, those from different countries or different cultures, those with disabilities, those with different languages or different faiths. We work in partnership to create a network which stretches beyond our school walls."

The IQM Inclusive School Awards lasts for three years before a reassessment. It is the first of three levels of award before the IQM Centre of Excellence Award and the IQM Flagship School Award.

For information go to iqmaward.com.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.