Kassim Darwish Grammar School for Boys

Kassim Darwish Grammar School for Boys is an independent day school located in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, catering for male pupils aged 11 to 16 years. The school operates under the auspices of the Manchester Islamic Educational Trust Ltd, which is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The school has a total enrollment of 144 pupils, with two classes per year from Year 7 to Year 11. The institution emphasizes a caring and warm Islamic atmosphere, aiming to ensure that pupils feel safe, healthy, and happy while enjoying their learning experiences and achieving success.

The recent inspection conducted from February 13 to 15, 2024, involved a team of three inspectors who evaluated various aspects of the school's operations. The inspection activities included lesson observations, discussions with governors and staff, and scrutiny of pupils' work and school policies. The inspectors also considered feedback from pupils, staff, and parents through pre-inspection surveys.

The inspection findings indicate that the school meets all relevant standards across various domains, including leadership and management, quality of education, pupils' physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding. The leadership team, including governors and staff, is committed to promoting respect for individuals, which is reflected in the school's Islamic ethos. This commitment fosters a deep understanding and respect for diversity among pupils, both within the school and in the wider community.

Governors play an essential role in providing effective oversight and support to school leaders. They conduct regular visits to monitor the school's performance and ensure that leaders are held accountable for their actions. The leadership team is reflective and continuously seeks to improve the school's provision, focusing on the well-being of pupils. The positive relationships between teachers and pupils contribute to a calm and respectful learning environment.

The school has implemented robust welfare and safety procedures, ensuring that pupils are well-supported in their personal development. Leaders prioritize safeguarding training for all staff, ensuring that they are knowledgeable and vigilant in identifying and addressing any concerns related to pupil safety. The school has established effective communication channels for pupils to report any issues, including a 'worry box' for anonymous concerns.

The curriculum at Kassim Darwish Grammar School is designed to promote pupils' learning across various subjects, including a strong emphasis on the Islamic faith. Pupils demonstrate effective communication, numeracy, and analytical skills, which are essential for their understanding of business and enterprise concepts. The school has seen improvements in public examination results in recent years, with teachers providing high-quality instruction and support to help pupils meet examination requirements.

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive appropriate support, enabling them to make good progress alongside their peers. The school has identified the need to further develop teaching strategies to enhance learning outcomes for all pupils. Additionally, pupils who speak English as an additional language (EAL) are well-supported in developing their language skills, which positively impacts their overall academic performance.

The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, chess, and religious studies, to support pupils' learning outside the classroom. However, some older pupils have expressed a desire for more choices in extracurricular offerings. Leaders are encouraged to involve pupils in the decision-making process regarding extracurricular activities to better align with their interests.

The personal, social, and health education (PSHE) program effectively informs pupils about important topics such as respect, healthy relationships, and consent. Pupils have a positive attitude towards relationships and sex education (RSE) and demonstrate an understanding of the significance of these issues. While behavior is generally good, there are instances of low-level disruption in some lessons, which leaders are actively addressing.

Pupils are encouraged to engage with their community and contribute positively to society. The school promotes a strong sense of social responsibility, with pupils participating in various charitable initiatives, including sponsoring orphaned children. The careers program provides effective guidance to help pupils make informed decisions about their future education and career paths, equipping them with essential financial awareness and money management skills.

The school has established a positive safeguarding culture, ensuring that pupils feel safe and secure. Leaders promote awareness among staff regarding safeguarding responsibilities, and there are clear procedures in place for reporting concerns. The school maintains effective communication with local authorities and external agencies to enhance pupil safety and well-being.

Overall, Kassim Darwish Grammar School for Boys demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education within a supportive and nurturing environment. The leadership team, governors, and staff work collaboratively to ensure that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors, both academically and personally. The school successfully meets all relevant standards, reflecting its dedication to fostering a positive learning experience for all pupils. The recommendations for further improvement include enhancing assessment and tracking systems, refining extracurricular management, and strengthening communication processes for pupils to raise concerns. These steps will further solidify the school's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in education.