--- title: "Woodhey Achieves Beacon School Status" url: "https://woodhey.bury.sch.uk/news/2026-03-20-woodhey-achieves-beacon-school-status" school: "Woodhey High School" --- # Woodhey Achieves Beacon School Status ![Image of Woodhey Achieves Beacon School Status](https://files.schudio.com/woodhey-high-school/images/news/UCL_cert/80d0f5d6-8e67-4308-9b2f-8848e2203fb7.jpg) 20 March 2026 Woodhey High School is delighted to share that we have officially been designated a Beacon School for Holocaust Education after completing University College London’s 18-month Beacon School programme, a rigorous process of quality assurance and professional development led by the UCL Centre for Holocaust Education. Following a review of the school’s Holocaust provision, experts praised the strength, ambition and academic rigour of Woodhey’s curriculum. Particular recognition was given to its carefully structured enquiry model and clear commitment to research-informed teaching. Reviewers also highlighted how the curriculum draws directly on research from the UCL Centre for Holocaust Education and incorporates student voice to shape teaching approaches, ensuring that lessons are both academically robust and responsive to the experiences and needs of students. A key strength identified in the review was the extensive use of primary sources and survivor testimony, enabling students to engage with the personal stories behind the history. The variety of testimonies used in lessons was praised for representing diverse experiences of the Holocaust and for supporting deeper empathy and understanding among students. Experts also noted that the curriculum establishes a strong culture of respectful and thoughtful discussion, reflecting the values and ethos of Woodhey High School. In addition, Woodhey’s RE curriculum was commended for posing ambitious and challenging questions that encourage pupils to explore complex ideas about the meaning of the Holocaust, including issues such as theodicy and forgiveness. Reviewers noted that this approach enables deep disciplinary thinking and meaningful discussion. This recognition reflects the commitment of staff and students to ensuring that the history of the Holocaust is studied with rigour, sensitivity and respect. As a Beacon School, we look forward to continuing to develop our work in this area and to sharing best practice with other schools to strengthen Holocaust education for our students. 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