Green Oak Academy Review 2026: Faith and Focus in Moseley

Located in a converted residential property in Moseley, Green Oak Academy provides an Islamic secondary education for girls aged 11 to 16. The setting is intimate and purposeful, catering to a small cohort of around 118 students. The school combines the National Curriculum with a dedicated Alimiyyah syllabus, aiming to nurture students who are as confident in their faith as they are in their academic studies.

The school operates within a large, adapted Victorian house on Woodstock Road. This domestic scale creates a close-knit, almost familial atmosphere rather than the institutional feel of a large secondary. Students describe the environment as supportive and safe, where Islamic values underpin daily interactions.

Dr Razia Ghani, the Head Teacher, leads a staff team committed to holistic education. The ethos is explicitly faith-based. The call to prayer and daily worship are woven into the timetable, and the school aims to foster moral and spiritual development alongside academic grades.

Students wear a uniform that adheres to Islamic dress codes. The atmosphere is calm and respectful. The November 2023 Ofsted inspection noted that pupils are happy and feel safe, describing the school as a "harmonious community" where bullying is extremely rare.

In 2024, the school's GCSE performance was solid, placing it in the top 35% of schools in England (national typical band). The Attainment 8 score of 46.8 sits slightly above the England average of 45.9, indicating that students achieve grades comparable to or better than their peers nationally.

Ranked 1,504th in England and 32nd in Birmingham for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school demonstrates that its dual-curriculum approach does not compromise secular academic standards.

Specifically, 23.1% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc), compared to the England average of 17%. The Average Ebacc Point Score of 4.41 also exceeds the national average of 4.08. These figures suggest a curriculum that retains breadth in core academic subjects.

The curriculum is broad, covering National Curriculum subjects including English, mathematics, science, humanities, and art, alongside the Islamic curriculum. This dual track means the school day is busy and structured.

Teachers have good subject knowledge and plan lessons effectively. Inspectors in 2023 found that the curriculum is well-sequenced, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, ensuring that pupils encounter a diverse range of texts.

The Islamic curriculum includes Tajweed (Quranic recitation), Hifz (memorisation), and Islamic jurisprudence. This is not an add-on but a core pillar of the school's educational offer. Students gain a deep understanding of their faith alongside their GCSEs.

As a secondary school ending at Year 11, there is no sixth form on site. Post-16 guidance is provided to help students transition to local colleges and sixth forms.

Leavers typically progress to further education colleges in Birmingham to pursue A-levels or vocational courses. The school supports this transition with careers advice, ensuring students are aware of the pathways open to them, whether they wish to continue in Islamic studies or pursue secular careers in medicine, law, or teaching.

Admission is non-selective academically but requires a commitment to the school's Islamic ethos. Families apply directly to the school.

The process typically involves an application form, a meeting with the Head Teacher, and a review of reports from the previous school. While the school is fee-paying, it serves the local community, and places are sought after by families desiring a single-sex Islamic environment.

Pastoral care is rooted in Islamic teachings of sisterhood and mutual respect. Form tutors provide the first line of support, and the small size of the school means that staff know students individually.

The 2023 inspection highlighted that leaders prioritize pupils' mental health and wellbeing. A comprehensive personal development programme covers citizenship, British values, and health education in a way that respects the students' faith context while preparing them for life in modern Britain.

Enrichment activities often focus on service and creativity. Students participate in charity fundraising, community events, and nasheed (Islamic song) groups.

Facilities are limited by the nature of the building. There are no sprawling playing fields; instead, the school makes use of the onsite playground and local facilities for physical education. Despite spatial constraints, the school organises trips and visits to broaden students' horizons, from museum visits to outdoor excursions.

Fees for the 2025-2026 academic year are £3,630, which includes VAT of £605. The school has kept fees relatively accessible compared to the wider independent sector.

Fees can be paid annually or via monthly standing orders. A sibling discount is available, offering a 25% reduction for additional children enrolled at the school. There is no large-scale bursary programme, but the low baseline fee reflects the school's community ethos.

The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The location in Moseley is well-served by bus routes from across Birmingham. There is limited parking on Woodstock Road, so parents are encouraged to use public transport or park considerately.

Dual Curriculum Workload. Balancing GCSEs with rigorous Islamic studies requires dedication. Students here work hard to succeed in both spheres.

No Sixth Form. Students must move institutions at age 16. This provides a natural break point but means the school does not offer continuity through to A-level.

Facilities Constraints. As a school in a converted house, specialist facilities (particularly for sport and large-scale performance) are more limited than in purpose-built state secondaries.

Green Oak Academy offers a supportive, faith-centred environment where girls achieve solid academic results. The Good Ofsted rating validates its approach, confirming that the school successfully balances religious instruction with the demands of the National Curriculum. Best suited to families seeking a nurturing Islamic environment who value faith development as highly as GCSE grades.