Rida Girls High School Review 2026: Academic Excellence and Islamic Values

Tucked away in the Savile Town area of Dewsbury, Rida Girls High School occupies a discreet but significant position within the local educational landscape. Established in 2017, this independent day school provides secondary education for girls aged 11 to 16, centered around a dual curriculum that balances rigorous academic study with deep-rooted Islamic values. With a capacity for 154 students, the school maintains a small, close-knit environment where individual progress is closely monitored.

In 2026, it remains a high-performing choice for families in West Yorkshire, currently ranking first locally for GCSE outcomes according to FindMySchool proprietary data. The school occupies a campus on Warren Street, offering a sanctuary for learning that feels deeply integrated into its immediate community.

The atmosphere at Rida Girls High School is defined by a sense of calm purpose and a strong communal identity. As an Islamic school, the daily rhythm is punctuated by faith-based practices, with the vision of the Rida Schools Trust to grow a generation of confident, secure, and intellectual young women who can become ambassadors of education and faith. The physical environment is modest but efficient; the school has transformed its urban footprint into a series of functional classrooms, a library, and specialist spaces.

The leadership team, currently headed by Mrs. Bushra Hussain, emphasizes a whole-child approach. While the school is academically focused, there is a palpable sense of pastoral warmth. Teachers and students share a mutual respect rooted in shared values, creating a safe space where girls are encouraged to develop their voices. The school does not just function as an educational institution but as a community hub where the spiritual and moral development of the students is treated with the same importance as their performance in mathematics or English.

The 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the school as Good overall, with inspectors noting the exceptionally calm and purposeful environment. This marks a significant trajectory of improvement from previous years, reflecting a stable and ambitious leadership team.

Rida Girls High School consistently punches above its weight in national assessments. In the most recent published data cycles, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 60, significantly higher than the England average of 45.9. This indicates that students here are achieving, on average, a grade 6 or higher across eight key subjects.

The school ranks 564th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st among secondary schools in Dewsbury. This places the school comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England (national strong percentile band). A particular strength lies in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc); 42.9% of students achieved grades 5 or above in the EBacc subjects, which is notably higher than the England average of 40.5%. The average EBacc APS score of 5.46 further underscores the school's ability to drive high performance across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines including sciences, languages, and humanities.

The curriculum at Rida Girls is bifurcated into two distinct but complementary paths: the National Curriculum and Islamic Studies. Students study a core of GCSE subjects including English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Combined Science, Religious Studies, and Urdu. The school also offers Business Studies and Computer Studies, broadening the technical and professional horizons for its students.

Teaching is characterized by small class sizes, often much smaller than those found in local state alternatives, which allows for highly personalized feedback. Formal observations highlight that pupils are eager to learn and have very positive attitudes towards their studies. The school utilizes a heavy emphasis on literacy across all subjects to ensure that students can access the complex language of higher-level exam papers. For those who require additional support, the school provides targeted interventions, ensuring that no student falls behind the demanding pace of the curriculum.

Where Students Go Next

As a school that concludes at Year 11, the transition at age 16 is a critical milestone. The majority of students progress to local sixth form providers and colleges in Kirklees and the wider West Yorkshire area. Popular destinations include Greenhead College in Huddersfield and Kirklees College, with many students pursuing A-levels in STEM subjects and social sciences.

The school provides a structured careers program that begins in Year 9, including guidance on post-16 options and mock interviews. Because of the school's high academic baseline, many leavers are well-positioned to apply for competitive courses. The school maintains an informal network of alumni who return to share their experiences of further education, providing current students with relatable role models in various professional fields.

Admissions to Rida Girls High School are conducted directly through the school rather than the Local Authority. The process typically involves an online application form, a copy of the student's most recent school report, and an interview with the Head Teacher and a member of the Governing Body. For mid-year applications, the child is required to sit an entrance test to ensure the school can cater for their specific needs and ability.

While the school is independent, it serves a local community, and places are in high demand. If the school is oversubscribed, priority is given based on vicinity to the school, siblings, and the results of the interview process focusing on work ethic and attitude. The school’s capacity of 154 means that Year 7 cohorts are limited, and early registration is advised.

Pastoral care is deeply interwoven with Islamic ethics. The school operates a small-scale system where every teacher acts as a mentor. There is a strong emphasis on character and manners, which forms the basis of the behavior policy. Inspectors found that pupils' behavior and conduct around the school and in lessons are exemplary.

Wellbeing is supported through regular assemblies and a curriculum that includes Personal, Social, Health, and Citizenship Education (PSHCE). The small size of the school is its greatest asset here; it is virtually impossible for a student to go unnoticed, and changes in a girl’s demeanor or academic performance are caught early. Staff have very high expectations, and there is a strong culture of mutual respect between adults and pupils.

Extracurricular life at Rida Girls High School is designed to complement the academic day while providing students with opportunities for leadership and community service.

Clubs and Societies

The school hosts a variety of clubs including the Debate Club, Creative Writing, and the School Council, where pupils can take on formal leadership roles.

STEM Excellence

The school encourages participation in technical subjects, with Science and ICT being strategic leads in the curriculum.

Physical Education

Students participate in a range of physical activities, with Neelofar Shaikh leading the PE department to ensure health and fitness are prioritized despite the urban campus.

Charity and Community

Service is a major pillar. Pupils regularly contribute to the wider community by raising money for various charities, fostering a sense of global citizenship and social responsibility.

The school day typically begins at 8:15 am and concludes at 3:45 pm, which is slightly longer than the standard state school day to accommodate the Islamic Studies curriculum. The school is located on Warren Street in Savile Town, and several local bus routes serve the area.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the surrounding area, as vicinity remains a factor in oversubscribed years.

Fees & Financial Aid

As an independent school, Rida Girls High School charges tuition fees to cover its operational costs. For the 2025/2026 academic year, fees are approximately £3,000 per year, though parents should confirm the exact figure and payment schedule with the administrative office. This fee level is notably lower than many other independent schools in the region, reflecting a commitment to community accessibility.

Bursaries and financial assistance may be available for families in specific circumstances. The Paradise Rida Schools Trust, which governs the school, considers financial aid applications on a case-by-case basis. Families seeking assistance should contact the school directly during the application process to discuss available support and eligibility criteria.

• Limited Physical Space: The school operates in an urban building. While the interior is well-utilized, it lacks the expansive playing fields or large sports halls of some state-funded competitors.
• Intense Dual Curriculum: Students are essentially managing two curricula simultaneously. This requires a high level of organization and commitment from the students and can be demanding for those who struggle with high workloads.
• Independent Status: As an independent school, parents are responsible for fees and some additional costs for trips and uniform.
• No Sixth Form: The school ends at Year 11. Families must plan for a significant transition at 16, which often involves moving to a much larger college environment.

Rida Girls High School is an academic powerhouse that remains firmly rooted in its Islamic identity. It offers a rare combination: the academic results of a top-tier grammar school with the nurturing, values-led atmosphere of a small faith school. It is best suited to girls who are academically ambitious and families who prioritize a secondary education that reinforces their spiritual and moral values. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist as they navigate the admissions process.