Leigh Academy Hugh Christie becomes an International Baccalaureate World School
Leigh Academy Hugh Christie has been formally authorised to deliver the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme following a rigorous verification process completed in just under 15 months.
The authorisation confirms the academy’s status as an IB World School and places it among a relatively small number of state-funded, non-selective academies offering the programme. In England, the International Baccalaureate is most commonly delivered in independent schools and grammar schools, making this a notable achievement for the academy and the local community it serves.
The Middle Years Programme is an internationally recognised framework for key stage 3 students. It combines academic challenge with a strong focus on critical thinking, creativity, reflection and personal development. Schools must meet demanding standards across curriculum design, teaching quality, assessment and leadership before receiving authorisation.
The programme is already embedded across the academy and is shaping both classroom practice and curriculum planning. Students are engaging confidently with their learning, making connections across subjects and applying knowledge in purposeful and meaningful ways.
Palak Shah, Principal of Leigh Academy Hugh Christie, said:
“This authorisation recognises the commitment, skill and belief of our staff, alongside the enthusiasm of our students and the support of our families. Our recent Challenge Partners review affirmed the strength of our curriculum, teaching and culture, and the MYP has further strengthened how we teach and how our students learn. It gives young people access to a level of curriculum ambition often associated with selective and independent education, right here in their local academy.”
Simon Beamish, Chief Executive of Leigh Academies Trust, added:
“Leigh Academy Hugh Christie’s IB authorisation reflects the strength of leadership and the pace of improvement within the academy since joining the Trust. Offering the Middle Years Programme in a non-selective setting matters. It shows what is possible when high expectations, strong teaching and inclusive values come together. This is an important step for the academy and for the Trust.”
The academy will continue to develop and embed the programme as part of its wider improvement strategy, strengthening outcomes and widening opportunity for young people.
