Wings School Notts Celebrated for Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Education
We’re proud to announce that Wings School Notts has been awarded the Breaking Barriers and Inclusion Award by the National Association of Independent Schools and Non-Maintained Special Schools (NASS). This prestigious recognition celebrates the school’s commitment to creating an inclusive, innovative PE curriculum that empowers every learner to thrive.
The award highlights the school’s dedication to removing barriers for neurodivergent children and ensuring that every pupil feels safe, celebrated, and supported. It’s a testament to the incredible work of the staff and the resilience of the young people they serve.
This achievement follows Wings School Notts also received the Outstanding Inclusive Practice Award at the Youth Sport Trust 2025 Conference Awards.
At Wings, physical activity isn’t just about sport, it’s about breaking down barriers, building resilience, and nurturing holistic development. The school’s bespoke hybrid PE curriculum is designed to develop physical literacy and transferable life skills such as determination, optimism, and wellbeing. It’s a curriculum that welcomes every learner, regardless of ability, motivation, or pace.
To make this vision a reality, Wings School Notts reimagined its entire approach to PE and sport. A key innovation was the introduction of a relaxed sports-style uniform, removing physical and psychological barriers to participation. This simple yet powerful change has opened the door for more pupils to experience the life-changing benefits of being active.
The school’s approach distinguishes between:
- PE: A planned and assessed journey of personal progress.
- School Sport: A competitive pathway for those seeking personal bests or team challenges.
- Physical Activity: A wide range of inclusive extracurricular clubs focused on fun, friendship, and exploration.
As the Youth Sport Trust Lead Inclusion School for Nottinghamshire, Wings is influencing inclusive practice across the county. Their work with the Ability Alliance – Disability Inclusion Sport and contributions to the Department for Education’s Inclusion 2024 programme are helping to shape national standards for SEND PE provision.
Their sports leadership programme empowers students to lead sessions in local primary schools, fostering community engagement and leadership skills. And with the prestigious Gold School Games Mark Award - one of only 16 APs nationwide to achieve it, Wings School Notts continues to set the standard for inclusive physical education.
This is more than an award win. It’s a celebration of a school that believes every child deserves the chance to move, grow, and thrive.
