School gets 'Requires Improvement' rating from Ofsted

Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiya School, on Heath Lane, has 223 pupils, all boys and young men whose ages range from 11 to 28.

The Islamic boarding and day school was visited by inspectors in February, with a report published on April 25.

The school on Heath Lane (Image: Google)

It is given an overall effectiveness rating of 'Requires Improvement' - an improvement on its previous rating of 'Inadequate.'

It was rated 'requires improvement' in the quality of education category and 'good' in the behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management categories.

A report by Ofsted states that in some subjects "the quality of education is variable."

It goes on to say that: "Teachers are not always clear about what to teach and when" and that "not enough pupils reach the standards they need to in a wide enough range of subjects."

The report adds: "Since the last inspection, the school has worked hard to address the weaknesses identified in the secular curriculum.

"Leaders have prioritised staff development.

"This has helped to improve most staff’s knowledge of how to teach the curriculum and their subject knowledge."

Inspectors did praise pupils' "polite and respectful" behaviour and "positive attitudes" and said the "school provides a warm and welcoming environment."

They said: "Pupils enjoy positive relationships with staff and each other.

"They treat each other with care and respect, reflecting a genuine family ethos."

It also praised the school for providing opportunities to practice interests such as calligraphy, martial arts, and other sports.

The report notes there was insufficient evidence to rate its sixth-form provision.

The school, under the leadership of headteacher Abdullah Memi, charges annual fees of £2,100 for day pupils.

The Shuttle has approached Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiya School for comment.