AN Islamic school in Kidderminster is no longer ‘inadequate’ following an Ofsted report, but still requires improvement.

Leaders at Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiya School in Summerfield were told to improve areas of education quality and management after an inspection in October.

The school, which educates over 200 boys, previously held an ‘inadequate’ rating since 2016 and two standard inspections have highlighted issues in teaching quality and the safeguarding of students.

 In their recent inspection, Ofsted said staff at the independent boarding school have acted to address a previously unmet standard relating to bullying.

The reports reads: “They make sure that pupils are protected from bullying. They educate pupils about bullying and ensure that pupils can share any worries or concerns with school staff.”

Ofsted said pupils were part of a “happy and safe” school community and that inspectors experienced a “welcoming atmosphere”.

Leaders had also improved health and safety procedures as school buildings had undergone “considerable improvements” and were “maintained well”. 

It was found that pupils at the school previously did not achieve as well as expected in subjects such as English, science and physical education.

The report said leaders improved the quality of education and pupils now made “better progress” in all subjects.

Some teachers at the school identified gaps in pupils’ learning quickly and targets were then made to close those gaps. 

Ofsted noted the strength of progress in academic and vocational courses at the school’s sixth form, enabling students to pursue career pathways.

The report went on to say: “Previously, A-level options were limited so leaders have recently introduced additional courses.”

Ofsted also found that students and pupils receive high-quality careers guidance.
Inspectors said leaders had a vision for pupils to become “confident members of British society” and found that pupils valued studying both an Islamic and secular curriculum. 

The report said: “Pupils take their faith studies seriously. They work hard to deepen their understanding of Islam and to memorise the Koran.

“Leaders and pupils place equal emphasis on both the faith and the secular programmes taught in the school.”

Ofsted also found that pupils “respect and understand the rights of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.” 

The report states: “Pupils learn about a range of different faiths. They respect and appreciate the similarities and differences of faiths. 

“The British values policy makes the strong links between the Islamic faith and its support for British values clear.”

While the school was rated ‘requires improvement’ overall, behaviour, attitudes and the personal development of pupils and students at the school was graded ‘good’. 

The school has been approached for comment.