IQRA Primary Academy Recognised with Prestigious Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM)

iExel Academy Trust is proud and delighted to announce that IQRA Primary Academy has been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) Outreach – the highest accolade of its kind, and one that only a select number of schools hold. This prestigious award recognises IQRA’s excellence in science teaching and leadership, as well as our commitment to sharing expertise and leading professional development in science across other schools and beyond our immediate community. It celebrates the Academy’s dedication to promoting excellence in science leadership, teaching, and learning, aligning with our mission of Creating Brighter Futures for all our pupils.

The PSQM reviewer praised IQRA’s submission, stating: “It was an honour to review such an outstanding submission. The school’s integration of outreach work with other development priorities is impressive, as is the relentless focus on impact. The way the subject leadership roles are shared and developed is exemplary, allowing the school to demonstrate what effective practice looks like. Congratulations to the children, staff, and especially Maria and Hollie for their hard work and vision.”

The PSQM is an evidence-based professional development programme led by the University of Hertfordshire. It ensures that schools like IQRA Primary Academy develop strong science leadership, empowering teachers with the skills and support needed to inspire the next generation of scientists. Since its inception in 2010, more than 5,000 schools have been awarded the PSQM, helping to build a foundation of high-quality science education for over 1 million children across the UK. The Primary Science Quality Mark is awarded after a year-long process of auditing, planning, and evidencing the impact of science across the school. IQRA’s achievement reflects the dedication of the staff, particularly the leadership of Maria Mehrin, who has played a key role in promoting a love for science across the school.

Andrea Ives, Principal of IQRA Primary Academy, expressed her delight: “This award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our staff and pupils. Special thanks to Maria Mehrin and Hollie Coupland for their leadership and dedication to driving science education forward. We are thrilled to see the impact it has had on the students and look forward to continuing to inspire young minds.”

Professor Khurshid Khan, CEO of iExel Education Trust, shared his thoughts on this achievement: “We are incredibly proud of IQRA Academy staff’s dedication to science education and their well-deserved PSQM award. It’s wonderful to see our investment of £500k in STEM laboratories paying off, creating opportunities for pupils to engage with science in meaningful ways. A huge thank you to all the staff (especially Maria and her Team) and pupils for their hard work and commitment.”

Helen Sizer, PSQM Co-Director, commented: “By enabling effective science leadership, PSQM is powering the potential of all children to see the relevance and importance of science in their lives, now and in the future. Schools that achieve PSQM demonstrate a strong commitment to science leadership, teaching, and learning, and the profile of science in each accredited school is very high.”

IQRA Primary Academy will continue to build on this achievement, enhancing science education and inspiring the scientists of tomorrow, in line with the iExel’s vision of Educational Excellence and Creating Brighter Futures.