Bolton Islamic Girls School Review 2026: Academic Ambition in a Faith-Centred Community

Bolton Islamic Girls School (BIGS) occupies a discreet, converted industrial space in the Great Lever area of Bolton, providing a focused secondary education for girls aged 11 to 16. The school has established itself as a significant academic presence in the borough since opening in 2012, consistently delivering results that exceed both local and England averages. With a capacity for 150 students, it functions as a close-knit learning community where faith and academic rigour are woven together.

Dr Zakia Maqbool, the current Headteacher, has led the school since January 2014 and emphasizes the development of confident, British Muslim identities. The latest academic data places the school within the top 25% of all schools in England, a remarkable achievement for a small independent provider that maintains a relatively accessible fee structure compared to traditional independent seniors.

The atmosphere at Bolton Islamic Girls School is defined by a sense of shared purpose and quiet discipline. Housed in Weston House, the school creates a sanctuary-like environment where students can focus entirely on their studies and spiritual growth. The physical setting is functional and well-ordered, reflecting a culture that prioritises learning over architectural grandiosity.

The school operates as a single-sex environment, which the leadership believes allows students to express themselves freely and take on leadership roles without hesitation. This sense of empowerment is visible in the way students engage with the community through charity work and social enterprise projects. The school values of Respect, Integrity, and Excellence are not merely aspirational; they are evident in the calm, respectful interactions between students and staff throughout the school day.

Academic performance is a primary strength. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 50.7, significantly outperforming the local Bolton average. The school ranks 795th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England (national strong percentile band).

Within the local context, BIGS ranks 4th among secondary schools in Bolton for academic attainment. A standout metric is the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) achievement; 42.9% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in the EBacc, far exceeding the England average of approximately 20% for this measure. This indicates a curriculum that is both broad and academically demanding.

The curriculum is designed around a core of traditional academic subjects, with a heavy emphasis on the EBacc suite. Small class sizes allow for personalised attention that would be difficult to replicate in larger state schools. Teachers are described as subject experts who maintain high expectations for every student, regardless of their starting point.

Islamic Studies and Arabic are integrated into the weekly timetable, providing students with a deep understanding of their faith alongside their secular studies. The school uses a variety of teaching methods, from formal instruction to collaborative projects, ensuring that students develop the critical thinking skills necessary for further education. There is a clear focus on literacy and numeracy, which underpins success across all GCSE subjects.

Pastoral care is deeply rooted in Islamic principles of compassion and mutual respect. The small size of the school means that every student is well-known to the staff, allowing for early intervention if a student is struggling academically or emotionally. The school operates a robust safeguarding culture, and students report feeling safe and supported within the school community.

Religious observance, including daily prayers and reflections, provides a structured framework for emotional regulation and spiritual wellbeing. The school also engages with external speakers and workshops to address contemporary issues such as mental health awareness and online safety, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of modern life.

Extracurricular life at BIGS is designed to build character and social responsibility. The school offers a variety of clubs, including the Debating Society and the Creative Writing Circle, which help students refine their communication skills. STEM initiatives are also prominent; students have previously participated in regional science competitions and coding workshops.

Community service is a pillar of the school identity. Students are encouraged to lead fundraising initiatives for both local Bolton charities and international relief efforts. The school also organises regular educational visits, ranging from museum trips to outdoor adventure days, providing cultural capital and opportunities for teamwork outside the formal classroom setting.

As an independent school, BIGS manages its own admissions process. Families are encouraged to visit the school during one of its open evenings, typically held in the autumn term. The application process usually involves a formal application form followed by an assessment and an interview with the Headteacher to ensure the school can meet the student needs and that the family is aligned with the school ethos.

While the school is academically selective, it seeks students who demonstrate a genuine commitment to the school values. Parents should note that the school is often at capacity, and early registration is advised.

Fees & Financial Aid

For the 2025/2026 academic year, the tuition fees are set at £3,000 plus a mandatory VAT charge of £600, bringing the total annual fee to £3,600. This follows the 2024 government budget changes regarding independent school fees. The school offers three payment plans, including a monthly direct debit option of £360 over ten months.

The school strives to keep fees accessible to ensure a faith-based independent education remains an option for local families. While the school does not publish a wide range of merit-based scholarships, they are willing to discuss special circumstances for payment plans. Families should note that an additional GCSE examination fee applies for Year 11 students.

The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Located on Weston Street, the school is well-served by local bus routes and is within walking distance of Bolton town centre for those utilising regional rail links. Parking in the immediate vicinity is limited, and parents are encouraged to use the designated drop-off points to ensure student safety. Wraparound care details are not published; families requiring extended hours should contact the school office directly for the latest information.

• Limited Facilities: Operating from a converted building means the school lacks the extensive playing fields or dedicated sports halls found at larger schools. Physical education often involves using local community sports facilities.
• Academic Pressure: The school strong ranking and high EBacc entry rates reflect an environment that is academically focused. Students who prefer a more vocational or creative pathway may find the curriculum narrow.
• VAT Impact: The introduction of VAT on fees in late 2024 has increased the annual cost by £600. While the school has kept tuition costs low, this remains an additional financial consideration for parents.

Bolton Islamic Girls School is an excellent choice for families seeking a high-achieving academic environment that is deeply rooted in Islamic values. It successfully bridges the gap between traditional faith education and modern British academic standards, as evidenced by its position in the top 25% of schools in England. Best suited to academically motivated girls who thrive in a smaller, disciplined, and nurturing environment.