Al Madina School for Girls

Overview

Al Madina School for Girls is described as a small, supportive community where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and safety. The report highlights that leaders and governors work collaboratively to maintain high standards, with pupils achieving well over time and demonstrating positive progress in their GCSE results. The school fosters a calm environment with high expectations for behaviour, resulting in rare bullying and a culture where students trust staff to resolve issues.

Strengths

• Pupils achieve well, with a high proportion gaining strong grades in English and mathematics, preparing them for post-16 study.
• The school maintains a "calm environment" where pupils behave well, show respect, and engage positively with their learning.
• Leaders provide effective pastoral support and attendance strategies, leading to incremental improvements in attendance and reduced persistent absenteeism.
• Teachers are subject experts who regularly check understanding and address misconceptions, supported by effective training and professional development.
• The personal development programme is well-sequenced, prioritising mental health, safety, and a secure understanding of fundamental British values.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should provide greater precision in adapting curriculum and teaching to support the academic progress of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Staff should ensure pupils have more opportunities to independently rehearse and apply their learning, particularly in writing.
• Leaders must continue to reduce rates of persistent absence, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified, acted upon, and managed, ensuring pupils feel safe.