Feversham Girls' Secondary Academy Review 2026: Faith and Ambition in Bradford

Located on the hillside of Undercliffe, Feversham Girls' Secondary Academy defies simple categorisation. It is an Islamic faith school that has become nationally recognised for its academic rigour and unique curriculum approach. Part of the iExel Education Trust, the academy serves approximately 720 students aged 11 to 18, creating a close-knit, single-sex environment where faith and modernity coexist comfortably.

The atmosphere is one of calm purpose and distinct identity. Students wear a modest uniform that reflects the school's Islamic ethos, including the hijab and jilbab options, yet the environment is far from insular. The corridors buzz with a confidence that stems from high expectations; staff speak of "empowering young women," and the students seem to believe it.

Ms Sajida Muneer leads the school with a focus on holistic development. While the Islamic character is central, permeating the daily routine, values, and pastoral care, the school is outwardly focused. The academy has attracted attention for its innovative use of music and oral performance to build confidence, adapting the curriculum to fit within faith guidelines while ensuring students find their voice.

The school operates on a foundation of mutual respect. Relationships between staff and students are warm but formal. The environment feels safe and structured, providing a "haven" quality that parents value highly.

Academic performance is a clear strength. In 2024, Feversham ranked 967th in England for GCSE outcomes, placing it in the top 21% of schools nationally. Locally, it ranks 6th among secondary schools in Bradford, confirming its status as a high-performing option in the city.

The Progress 8 score of +0.68 is particularly impressive. This metric indicates that students achieve more than half a grade higher across all subjects than students with similar starting points elsewhere in England. Attainment is also solid; the average Attainment 8 score was 52.4 (England average: 45.9), and 30.8% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate.

At A-level, performance is solid, sitting in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). The academy ranks 8th in Bradford for post-16 outcomes, with nearly half of all grades (47%) being A*-B.

The curriculum is ambitious and broad, designed to balance the English National Curriculum with Islamic studies. Teaching is rigorous and highly structured. In classrooms, the focus is on "depth before breadth," ensuring students master key concepts before moving on.

Religious Education is a core subject for all, and the school offers specific Islamic Studies. However, the secular curriculum is equally prioritised. Science and mathematics are popular, reflecting the high aspirations of many families for careers in medicine and engineering. The performing arts department plays a vital role in building oracy and confidence, utilising Nasheed (vocal music) and percussion to engage students in a way that respects their faith traditions.

Feversham is an Islamic school, and this identity is pervasive and genuine. Daily prayers (Salah) are integrated into the timetable, and the school calendar revolves around Islamic festivals. The ethos is built on the values of service, respect, and spirituality.

Families should be aware that the faith commitment is expected. The curriculum includes Quranic recitation and Islamic history. However, the school frames these traditions as a springboard for engagement with modern British life, rather than a retreat from it.

Extracurricular life is vibrant but culturally specific. You will not find a typical orchestra here; instead, the Nasheed choir is a standout feature. The school also emphasises student leadership through its "Feversham First" initiatives and radio projects, giving students a platform to develop media skills.

Sports are encouraged within a modest framework suitable for the faith context, with netball, cricket, and rounders being popular. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered and is well-attended, challenging students to build resilience in outdoor settings.

This is a state-funded academy, meaning there are no tuition fees. Education is free for all students. Families may be asked to contribute to the cost of optional trips, uniform, or specific extracurricular activities, but these are voluntary. The school receives pupil premium funding to support eligible students, ensuring financial barriers do not limit participation in the full life of the school.

Pastoral care is rooted in Islamic values of sisterhood and compassion. The school is divided into form groups that provide a daily touchpoint for wellbeing. Because of the relatively small size of the school (around 720 students), staff know individuals well.

Safeguarding is a priority. The latest Ofsted report rated the school Outstanding, noting that leaders have created a culture where students feel safe and valued. Support for mental health is available, often framed through both clinical and spiritual guidance to ensure it resonates with the student body.

Feversham is a state-funded academy, and admissions are coordinated by Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Demand for places is exceptionally high. In the last intake, the school received 518 applications for just 128 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of over 4 applicants for every seat.

The admissions policy prioritises Looked After Children, followed by those with siblings already at the school. Remaining places are often allocated based on faith-based criteria or distance, though families should check the exact current policy on the school website. The deadline for Year 7 applications is 31 October for entry the following September.

The majority of students stay on for the Sixth Form, which is shared with the wider iExel trust network, or move to other local providers. In 2024, 43% of leavers progressed to university, while 13% entered employment.

While the academy does not publish a full breakdown of university destinations, the focus on academic rigour means that students regularly secure places at local research-intensive universities, with courses in health sciences, pharmacy, and education being popular choices.

The school day typically runs from 8:25am to 3:00pm. Located in Undercliffe, the site is accessible via local bus routes from across Bradford. Parents should note that Friday timings may differ to accommodate Jummah prayers.

Faith is central. The Islamic ethos is not an add-on; it is the operating system of the school. Families seeking a secular education or those uncomfortable with a curriculum viewed through a faith lens may find it unsuitable.

High demand. With over four applications per place, securing a seat is statistically difficult. Families must have a realistic backup plan, as living nearby or sharing the faith does not guarantee entry given the volume of applicants.

Single-sex environment. The girls-only setting is strictly maintained. This suits many families who feel it allows their daughters to focus on academics without distraction, but it does not offer the social mix of a co-educational school.

Feversham Girls' Secondary Academy is a beacon of achievement in Bradford, proving that faith-based education can deliver outstanding secular results. It offers a safe, ambitious, and culturally aligned environment for Muslim girls. Best suited to families who want their daughters to achieve high academic standards without compromising their religious identity. The main challenge is securing a place in such a heavily oversubscribed school.