Al Madina School for Girls, Barking

What it's like to be a pupil at Al Madina School for Girls

Pupils feel a sense of belonging in this small school, which is like a second family to them. They appreciate the visibility of school leaders and staff who are responsive to pupils' needs and there to help and support them. Pupils trust staff and appreciate how ‘unified' the school is. Pupils feel safe at school, describing it as a ‘no-judgement zone'. They can talk to any member of staff if they have concerns, including those staff with specific responsibility for looking after wellbeing. Pupils also like how they can put their worries on paper and into the school's worry box if needed. Pupils report that bullying is rare. Teachers deal with it swiftly and effectively if it happens. On the whole, pupils attend school and behave well because they want to learn. Pupils are keen to receive ‘yes please' tokens and star awards in recognition of positive work and behaviour. The house teams and school council facilitate pupils' collaboration across year groups. This collaboration fosters a culture of friendship and support for each other. Pupils understand and successfully embody the school's values. Their spiritual development is well catered for, including, for instance, through the dedicated time they have for reflection each day. By the end of their time at school, pupils achieve well. Typically, they enjoy learning. This is because teachers are increasingly adept at meeting the needs of all pupils and removing barriers to learning. Pupils successfully progress to a range of ambitious post-16 destinations, including sixth forms and colleges. Pupils have a say in the running of the school. They value making a positive contribution to their school, the local community and more widely. For example, pupils are proud of their fundraising in support of a charity for vulnerable people across the country. Pupils demonstrate a secure understanding of fundamental British values. The school prepares them well for life in modern Britain.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• Leaders should continue to provide staff with guidance on how curriculum and teaching can be adapted with greater precision to support the academic progress of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• The school should ensure that staff provide well-chosen opportunities for pupils to rehearse and apply their learning, helping to build their confidence to independently tackle activities, including writing in depth about what they know.
• Leaders should ensure that their work continues to improve pupils' attendance and to further reduce rates of persistent absence.

Al Madina School for Girls creates a nurturing, inclusive environment where pupils feel they belong and are supported by caring staff. The school combines strong academic teaching with excellent pastoral care and a focus on wellbeing, helping pupils develop confidence and leadership skills. Teachers are subject experts who adapt their teaching to meet individual needs, ensuring all pupils, including those with learning difficulties, make good progress towards their futures.

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, concerns are actively identified and managed, and pupils feel safe.

School council, student ambassador roles, debating, outings to cultural venues, guest speakers on personal safety and women in business, work experience, employer visits, careers fayres, visits to local town hall

Train Stations

Tube / Metro / Tram

Bus Stops