Madani Academy

Overview

Madani Academy is an independent Islamic school where pupils receive a high-quality education underpinned by strong values and an "aspirational culture." The report highlights that pupils behave exceptionally well, are "incredibly studious and motivated," and thrive in a "calm and ordered environment." The school successfully expanded to include a secondary phase for girls, offering a broad curriculum that meets independent school standards.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate "outstanding" behaviour, showing respect, tolerance, and a strong desire to learn.
• Teachers possess "strong subject knowledge," explain learning clearly, and use questioning effectively to support understanding.
• The curriculum builds coherently across key stages, with staff skilfully reinforcing key knowledge and vocabulary.
• There is a "thriving culture" that motivates pupils to read widely, supported by a well-stocked library and local library visits.
• Staff support pupils with special educational needs effectively, and the school fosters a positive atmosphere where staff feel they "belong."

Areas to improve

• Early readers are not consistently given decodable books that align with the phonics programme, which "hinders how well pupils learn to read."
• The monitoring and evaluation of curriculum implementation is "underdeveloped," meaning leaders are not always clear on how teaching contributes to knowledge retention.
• Subject leaders require further training and time to develop the skills needed to effectively monitor the quality of education.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."