As subject leadership strengthened, so too did classroom practice. Teachers became increasingly skilled at planning for stretch and depth, ensuring that more able pupils were not capped by low expectations. Importantly, this was not achieved through bolt-on activities but through carefully sequenced learning, purposeful questioning, and high-quality tasks that allowed pupils to demonstrate mastery and creativity. Over time, challenge became an expectation rather than an exception.

Once Walton Priory had embedded effective challenge for the most able, NACE supported the school in broadening this work to focus on challenge for all. This shift was transformative. Leaders recognised that challenge should not be reserved for a specific group of pupils but should underpin the learning experience of every child. With NACE’s guidance, Walton Priory developed a shared understanding of challenge as inclusive, aspirational, and responsive to individual needs.

This work culminated in Walton Priory achieving NACE Challenge Award accreditation in 2021 – a significant milestone that reflected the school’s progress and its growing culture of high expectations. Accreditation was not seen as an endpoint but as a validation of the journey so far and a motivation to continue improving. Since gaining accreditation, the school has not looked back, continuing to refine its approach and ensuring that challenge remains central to teaching and learning.

A key development showcased during Walton Priory’s recent NACE reaccreditation with the Challenge Award (valid for three years at a time) was the introduction of the Challenge Mountain. This innovative framework was designed to help pupils understand what challenge looks like and to feel confident in navigating their own learning. The Challenge Mountain supports children in recognising when learning feels appropriately challenging and reassures them that struggle is a normal and valuable part of the learning process.

Crucially, the Challenge Mountain also empowers pupils to take ownership of their learning. It helps them know how to access support when they need it, while also encouraging them to ask for greater challenge when learning feels too easy. This has had a powerful impact on pupil voice, resilience and independence. Children are increasingly able to articulate their learning needs and see themselves as active participants in their own progress.

The reaccreditation process provided an opportunity for Walton Priory to reflect on how far it has come since 2018. What began as a response to a Requires Improvement judgement has developed into a whole-school culture where challenge, ambition and high expectations are woven into daily practice. Staff confidence has grown, pupils are more engaged and motivated, and learning is characterised by depth, curiosity and purpose.

Looking ahead, Walton Priory is now working towards NACE Challenge Ambassador status. This next step reflects the school’s desire not only to sustain its own high standards but also to support and inspire others. As an ambassador, Walton Priory aims to share its experiences, strategies, and lessons learned with other schools at different stages of their journey. The school firmly believes that collaboration and shared practice are key to raising standards across education.

Walton Priory’s journey with NACE has been one of growth, reflection and transformation. Through focused support, professional development, and a shared commitment to challenge for all, the school has moved from requiring improvement to establishing a strong, inclusive culture of excellence. As it looks towards Challenge Ambassador status, Walton Priory is proud to stand as an example of what can be achieved when high expectations are placed at the heart of education. Walton Priory is now rated by Ofsted as a good school with areas of outstanding practice.  

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To learn more about Walton Priory’s “Challenge Mountain” framework, watch the recording of the school’s Member Spotlight session (member login required).

To share your school’s experience of working with NACE, contact communications@nace.co.uk