The school was awarded the ACE Quality Mark by the Association for Character Education following a rigorous assessment, with inspectors praising the depth and consistency of Hartshill Academy’s commitment to character education. The accreditation is given only to schools where virtues, personal development and values‑led leadership are embedded throughout daily life – something the assessment team found clearly evident across the Academy.
In their final report, assessors highlighted the impressive “virtue literacy” demonstrated by pupils, noting how confidently they discussed what it means to develop good character and how it will help them to flourish in the future.
An example of how the school supports pupils in developing good character in practice is its recent Enrichment Week, focused particularly on the character trait ‘Tenacity’. Pupils across the school engaged in a wide range of activities encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zones and learn new skills, including by building a sensory garden, going on a highly interactive residential trip and taking part in a Crochet Club.
More broadly, participation in extra‑curricular activities and leadership roles was described as “a normalised way of being” at Hartshill Academy, contributing to a culture where pupils routinely seek out opportunities to grow, lead and contribute.
Standout examples of this are the appointment of a Hartshill pupil as Nuneaton’s first Young High Sheriff of Warwickshire, as well as a group of Hartshill pupils undertaking tireless fundraising efforts over the past several years to fund an upcoming expedition to Borneo. Once there, pupils will be actively supporting long-term conservation projects.
The Academy’s innovative Character Ladder was also singled out as a standout feature of the school’s provision, praised for helping pupils understand different character ‘levels’ and what you can do to strengthen your character over time.
Special recognition was given to Vice Principal, Christian Mba, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping and driving the school’s Character Education programme.
Vasav, a Year 8 pupil at the school, said:
“One of the best things about our school is the support we get from our teachers and how they all want us to be the very best version of ourselves.”
Principal at Hartshill Academy, Lorraine Taylor, said:
“This is a significant achievement and a wonderful reflection of our collective commitment to empowering our pupils and encouraging them to contribute positively to the people and places around them. The work our staff do every day in ensuring character is caught, taught and sought, has been critical in supporting our pupils to try new things, learn new skills and develop confidence in their own abilities.
“Becoming an ACE School of Character is not only a celebration of what our school has achieved so far, but it is a powerful foundation for the future. We look forward to continuing to nurture the best in every young person, helping them grow into thoughtful, resilient and ambitious individuals.”