Jaamiatul Imaam Muhammad Zakaria

Jaamiatul Imaam Muhammad Zakaria is an independent Muslim boarding school located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, catering for female pupils aged 11 to 23. Established in 1992, the school operates on a ten-acre site featuring a purpose-built teaching block alongside several large Victorian buildings, which include four boarding houses. The school is overseen by a board of trustees and has a current enrollment of 448 pupils, all of whom are boarders. The headteacher is Mrs. Zebunnisa Hajee, and the chair of governors is Mr. Shokat Ali Dadhiwala.

The school aims to facilitate the highest levels of spiritual, moral, cultural, and Islamic awareness among its pupils, alongside fostering their intellectual and physical achievements. Most of the pupils are British Muslims of South Asian origin, and the school reports that their overall ability is broadly average. Two pupils have been identified as having special educational needs, but neither receives additional specialist support. The school provides specific academic pathways and opportunities for more able pupils and those with particular talents.

The inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in September 2021 focused on the school's compliance with the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection was carried out partly remotely and partly on-site due to COVID-19 safety measures. The ISI confirmed that the school meets all the required standards, and no further action is required as a result of this inspection.

In terms of educational quality, the school has demonstrated that its teaching enables pupils to make good progress, as evidenced by GCSE and A-level results from 2019 to 2021. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, covering the required breadth of material. The school also provides relationships and sex education in accordance with statutory guidance, ensuring that pupils receive a comprehensive education.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, with principles and values that encourage responsible citizenship. The school fosters an environment where boarders' views are encouraged and considered, and any prefect system in place is managed appropriately. The standards related to this aspect of development are met, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their roles in society.

Welfare, health, and safety measures are robust, with arrangements in place to safeguard and promote the well-being of pupils. The school promotes good behavior, prevents bullying, and meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety. There is a strategic approach to risk assessment, and a disability access plan is in place. The induction process for new boarders is appropriate, and suitable provisions are made for their medical and health care needs, as well as their food and drink.

The school ensures the suitability of staff and proprietors through appropriate checks, maintaining a register as required. Visitors to boarding accommodation are supervised, ensuring a safe environment for pupils. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' needs, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as outdoor spaces for physical education and play.

Information is effectively communicated to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, covering various aspects of the school's operations, including its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admissions and behavior. The school has a clear complaints procedure that is handled effectively through a three-stage process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed appropriately.

Leadership and management at the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively to ensure that all standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, and appropriate policies and records are maintained and monitored effectively.

The inspection evidence included lesson observations, formal interviews with pupils, and discussions with staff and governors. Inspectors also reviewed samples of pupils' work and examined the school's documentation. The overall findings indicate that Jaamiatul Imaam Muhammad Zakaria meets the required standards and provides a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils. The school is committed to fostering both academic and personal development, ensuring that pupils are well-equipped for their future endeavors.