Tauheedul Islam Girls' High School Review 2026: World-Class Progress in Blackburn

Results at Tauheedul Islam Girls' High School (TIGHS) are not merely good; they are statistically exceptional. With a Progress 8 score of +2.05 in 2024, students here achieve, on average, two full grades higher in every subject than they would at a typical school. This level of value-added performance is rare and consistently places the school among the very highest-performing state schools in England.

Located on Preston New Road in Blackburn, the school combines a modern, purpose-built campus with an ethos deeply rooted in Islamic values and British citizenship. It serves as the flagship school for Star Academies. The culture is one of high ambition, disciplined study, and service to humanity.

The atmosphere at TIGHS is distinct: calm, purposeful, and immensely respectful. Visitors often remark on the "silent corridors" and the impeccable uniform, but the quiet discipline supports a vibrant intellectual life. The school views education as a transformative journey, underpinned by the STAR values: Service, Teamwork, Ambition, and Respect.

Mrs Shahnaz Akhtar has led the school as Principal since 2022, continuing the institution's focus on leadership development. The school holds a specialism in Leadership, and this is not a token label. Students are expected to lead initiatives, from charity drives to peer mentoring. The "Tauheedul sisterhood" is a tangible concept here; older students mentor younger ones, creating a cohesive network that feels more like a family than an institution.

Spirituality is woven into the fabric of the day. Prayer times are observed, and the Islamic faith provides the framework for the school's moral compass. However, the outlook is outwardly focused. The school’s motto, "Nurturing Today’s Young People, Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders", drives a commitment to civic duty. Students are encouraged to see themselves as future professionals who will contribute to British society.

The academic metrics are formidable. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +2.05, indicating that students make exceptional progress from their primary school starting points.

Attainment is equally impressive. The average Attainment 8 score stood at 70.8, significantly above the England average of 45.9. In terms of grades, 61% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7 (A*-A equivalent), compared to typical England averages. The proportion of students achieving grade 5 or above in English and Maths is consistently high.

Ranked 1st in Blackburn and 272nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), TIGHS outperforms 94% of schools in England. This performance sits in the "national high" band (top 10% in England).

At A-level, the standard remains elite. In 2024, 82% of grades were A*-B. The school ranks 1st locally and 214th in England for A-level outcomes, placing it in the top 10% of sixth forms nationally.

Teaching at TIGHS is rigorous, traditional, and highly structured. Teachers are subject specialists who command the classroom with authority. Lessons are fast-paced, with little time wasted. The "Tauheedul Pedagogy" focuses on direct instruction, frequent checking for understanding, and immediate feedback.

The curriculum is ambitious. The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is central, with 70.6% of pupils achieving strong passes in EBacc subjects. Science, Humanities, and Languages are prioritised alongside English and Mathematics.

The school operates a longer school day than many state schools, often extending for intervention sessions or enrichment. This additional time allows for deep dives into complex topics. Friday afternoons are often dedicated to spirituality and community service, ensuring that academic rigour does not crowd out character development.

The school has a strong track record of sending students to prestigious destinations. In 2024, 49% of leavers progressed to university. While this figure might seem lower than some selective independent schools, it must be viewed in the context of the school's diverse intake and the rising popularity of high-level degree apprenticeships, which 7% of the cohort pursued.

Of the university applicants, a significant number target Russell Group institutions. In 2024, the sixth form saw 5 students apply to Oxbridge, with 1 securing a place at Cambridge. The school provides a dedicated medical and dentistry society to support applicants to these competitive courses, reflecting the high career aspirations of the student body.

Admission to TIGHS is coordinated by Blackburn with Darwen Council. The school is a Muslim faith school, and its admissions policy reflects this, though it welcomes applications from all faiths and none.

Demand is intense. For the 2024 Year 7 entry, there were 389 applications for 123 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of over 3 applications per seat. The school is heavily oversubscribed.

Places are allocated according to a specific hierarchy: looked-after children, siblings, and then faith-based criteria which involve attendance at a mosque (Madrassah). A proportion of places is often reserved for the immediate catchment area to serve the local community, but families move into the area specifically to secure a place here.

Pastoral care is structured around year groups and a strong house system. Each student is assigned a 'Learning Co-ordinator' (Head of Year) who monitors both academic progress and personal wellbeing.

The school takes a holistic view of the child. The "Star Diploma" accreditation rewards attendance, behaviour, and community service as much as academic grades. This creates a culture where kindness and reliability are valued currency.

Safeguarding is robust. The 2022 Ofsted inspection rated the school Outstanding, noting that students feel safe and supported. Bullying is rare and dealt with swiftly. The shared faith ethos provides a strong foundation for mental health support, with spirituality used as a tool for resilience.

Extracurricular life is defined by service and leadership rather than just recreation. The "Civic Leadership" specialism means students are expected to engage with the wider community.

The Winter Gift Programme is a major annual event where students prepare hampers for vulnerable local residents, visiting care homes and hospitals. This is not optional volunteering but a core expectation of being a TIGHS student.

Clubs include debating, coding, science Olympiads, and nasheed (Islamic vocal music) choirs. Sixth Form students can participate in a "Mini MBA" programme to develop business skills. The sports provision makes good use of the modern sports hall, though the focus is perhaps less on competitive team sports leagues and more on fitness and health.

The school day is long and demanding. Registration typically begins at 8:00am, and enrichment or intervention sessions can run until 4:00pm or later.

Uniform is strict and specific: a long navy tunic (jilbab style) and headscarf are part of the standard dress code, fostering a sense of equality and modesty.

The campus on Preston New Road is modern and well-equipped, featuring specialist science labs, a lecture theatre, and dedicated prayer spaces.

Faith commitment expected. The school’s Islamic character is pervasive. Daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and an Islamic ethos are central to school life. Families of other faiths or none are welcome but must be comfortable with this immersion.

High pressure environment. The drive for results is relentless. The pace of learning and the length of the school day can be exhausting. This is a school for students who are prepared to work extremely hard.

Strict discipline. The behaviour policy is zero-tolerance on disruption. For some students, the structure provides security; for others, it may feel restrictive compared to more liberal environments.

Oversubscription. Securing a place is difficult. With over three applicants for every spot, meeting the criteria does not guarantee entry. Families often need to live very close to the school or meet strict faith attendance criteria.

Tauheedul Islam Girls' High School offers a world-class education within the state sector. It proves that with high expectations, clear structure, and shared values, barriers to achievement can be dismantled. The results are undeniable, and the character development is profound. Best suited to ambitious girls and supportive families who value the Islamic ethos and are willing to commit to the rigorous demands of the Star educational model. The main challenge is securing a place.