Jameah Academy

Jameah Girls’ Academy, an independent Islamic day school for female pupils, was founded in 2001 and is located in Leicester, Leicestershire. The school is registered as a single-sex institution and is overseen by a board of governors. In recent years, the school has expanded its age range to include pupils from five years old, although the current student body consists of those aged seven and above. The school was last inspected by Ofsted in 2017, and this inspection marks its first evaluation by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school remained open only for children of key workers and vulnerable pupils from March to August 2020. During this period, remote learning materials were provided to all pupils. The inspection process was adapted to include both remote and on-site evidence gathering to minimize contact within the school environment. The inspection did not evaluate the effectiveness of provisions made during the pandemic, as per the guidance from the Department for Education.

The school aims to foster lifelong learners who are spiritually, morally, socially, and culturally equipped to succeed both in and out of school. It emphasizes a strong foundation in the knowledge and practice of Islam. The pupils, all of whom are Muslim, come from Leicester and surrounding areas. Their abilities upon entry are generally average, with a small number requiring support for special educational needs. The school provides extension activities for more able pupils.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate is authorized to inspect schools that are members of the Independent Schools Council and to report on their compliance with the Independent School Standards. This inspection was a compliance-only evaluation, focusing on whether the school meets the minimum standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection concluded that the school meets all applicable standards, and no further action is required.

In terms of the quality of education provided, the school’s assessment framework indicates that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. Pupils take their GCSEs in their final year, and while the small cohort size limits comparisons with national averages, evidence from the inspection supports the conclusion that teaching is effective. The curriculum is well-documented and includes appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring a broad range of material is covered. The school also provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, in accordance with statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and law-abiding citizens. The school meets the standards related to this aspect of education. Arrangements are in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils, including measures to prevent bullying and ensure health and safety requirements are met. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance records, along with a strategic approach to risk assessment.

The suitability of staff is ensured through appropriate checks, and a register is maintained as required. The school provides suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, and ensures that the premises are maintained to a standard that meets health and safety requirements. The school also has suitable outdoor space for physical education and play.

Information is effectively communicated to parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, covering various aspects such as the school’s ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, and policies on behaviour and health and safety. The school’s safeguarding policy is available on its website, and it provides annual reports on individual pupil progress to parents.

Complaints from parents are handled through a structured three-stage process, ensuring that each stage has clear timelines and that records are kept appropriately. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.

The inspection evidence included lesson observations, formal interviews with pupils, and examination of pupils’ work. Inspectors also held discussions with staff and the chair of governors, observed various activities, and analyzed responses from pre-inspection questionnaires. The overall findings indicate that Jameah Girls’ Academy meets all the required standards, providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils. The school’s commitment to fostering a strong educational foundation rooted in Islamic values, alongside its adherence to regulatory standards, positions it as a well-functioning institution dedicated to the development of its students.