Olive High Review 2026: Academic Excellence within a Muslim Ethos

In a quiet corner of Burnley, Olive High has established itself as one of the most successful independent schools in the North West. The school provides a secondary education for girls aged 11 to 16, centered around a model Islamic environment. In 2025, the school was awarded an Outstanding rating by Ofsted, a result that underscores its rapid ascent and consistency since its founding in 2017.

The school is physically situated on Shorey Bank, but it draws students from across Burnley and Blackburn. With a capacity for 450 students, the community is small enough to ensure that every girl is known by name. Under the leadership of Headteacher Mrs. Mahwish Hanif, Olive High has become a local benchmark for achievement, consistently outperforming national averages in core academic subjects while maintaining a deep focus on spiritual and moral development.

The atmosphere at Olive High is one of calm purpose. Beyond the entrance, the school reveals a safe and stimulating environment where Islamic values are the heartbeat of daily life. Students move between lessons with a notable sense of discipline and respect, often described by visitors as responsible and caring "ladies of the community."

Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development is not a separate subject here; it is woven into every interaction. The school champions a holistic education where pupils receive a comprehensive experience of both Islamic traditions and wider British values. This is supported by initiatives such as the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award, which encourages students to play an active, inclusive role in their local neighborhoods.

The academic performance at Olive High is exceptional. In 2024, the school recorded an Attainment 8 score of 47, placing it in the top tier of schools in the Blackburn local authority area (FindMySchool ranking). More strikingly, 68% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and Mathematics, significantly higher than the local authority average of approximately 27%.

The school's commitment to the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a defining feature of its academic strategy. Approximately 81% of students are entered for the EBacc, with 62% achieving a grade 5 or above across these challenging subjects. These results sit well above the national averages and reflect a culture of high expectations and academic rigour.

Teaching at Olive High is characterized by excellence and a personalized approach. The curriculum is traditional, with students studying separate sciences, English, Mathematics, History, and Urdu at GCSE level. Small class sizes allow teachers to pinpoint gifted and talented students while ensuring that literacy is incorporated across all subjects to support those who speak other languages at home.

Specialist staff lead key subject areas, with Mrs. Hanif herself teaching English and History. The learning model is supplemented by GLS Assessments to establish clear baselines for every pupil. The school recognizes that the acquisition of knowledge must be both secular and Islamic, encouraging students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their existence, from the historical to the contemporary.

Where Students Go Next

As a secondary-only institution, the transition at age 16 is a major milestone for every Olive High student. The school takes this responsibility seriously, providing data mapping and careers guidance to ensure students are prepared for the rigors of further education.

The majority of leavers progress to local sixth form colleges such as Nelson and Colne College or Burnley College, which are well-regarded nationally. Because students have typically completed a full EBacc suite of GCSEs, they are well-positioned to access high-level A-level courses in the sciences, humanities, and mathematics.

The admissions process is selective and direct. Prospective students must complete an application form and sit an entrance test, which costs £50. This assessment focuses on English and Mathematics, as well as verbal and non-verbal reasoning, to determine the student's suitability for the school's fast-paced academic environment.

Applications are primarily welcomed for Year 7 entry, though places in Year 8 and 9 are occasionally available. The school does not accept new applications for Year 10 or 11 due to the specific nature of its GCSE pathways. For the 2026 entry, parents are advised to check the school website for specific testing dates, which typically occur during the first term of Year 6.

Wellbeing is deeply rooted in the school's model Islamic environment. The pastoral support system is designed to produce confident and compassionate individuals. Staff provide a nurturing "home away from home" where students feel safe to express themselves and their faith.

The school's accessibility policy and strategies for monitoring learning difficulties ensure that students receive the help they need, even in a small-school setting. Behavior is consistently outstanding, a reflection of the mutual respect between students and staff and the clear moral framework provided by the school's religious ethos.

Extracurricular life is vibrant and often tied to community service. Students are encouraged to develop their self-esteem through various leadership opportunities. The curriculum includes "Life Skills" and Physical Education to ensure a rounded experience.

Holy Quran studies and spiritual awareness sessions are central to the extracurricular offering. The school also places a strong emphasis on British values, ensuring that students appreciate the diversity of the world they live in while remaining secure in their own cultural and religious identity.

Fees & Financial Aid

Annual fees for day students are £2,300, plus VAT. For the current academic year, this is typically paid through a choice of payment plans: either four installments of £690 or ten monthly installments of £276 (both inclusive of VAT).

The school provides a supportive discount structure for families: 10% for a second child and 15% for any third or subsequent siblings. GCSE examination fees are not included in the annual tuition and typically range from £500 to £800 in total across Year 10 and 11. While formal bursaries are not widely publicized, the school’s fee structure remains among the most competitive for independent education in the region.

The school operates from Shorey Bank in Burnley. School hours are designed to accommodate the local community, including adjusted opening times during the month of Ramadan (typically 9:00 am). The nearest transport links include Burnley Central station, and the school is easily accessible via the M65 for families commuting from neighboring towns.

• Academic Selective Entry: Admission is based on a competitive test. Students who are not suited to a fast-paced academic environment may find the curriculum challenging.
• Fees and VAT: Parents should be aware that the headline fee of £2,300 is subject to VAT and does not include GCSE exam costs.
• Secondary Only: There is no on-site sixth form. Families should begin planning for the transition to college early in Year 11.
• Islamic Ethos: The school has a very clear religious mission. This environment is perfect for families seeking a model Islamic education but may be a significant adjustment for those from different backgrounds.

Olive High is an exceptional success story in Burnley's educational landscape. By combining an Outstanding Ofsted-rated pastoral environment with academic results that place it among the best in the county, it offers an unrivaled value proposition for independent Muslim education. It is best suited to academically able girls who will thrive in a disciplined, faith-centered community. The main challenge for families is securing a place through the competitive entrance assessment.