Al-Ashraf Secondary School for Girls Review 2026: Academic Strength and Islamic Values

Located in a Victorian building in the Barton area of Gloucester, Al-Ashraf Secondary School for Girls offers a distinctive education that combines high academic outcomes with a deeply embedded Islamic ethos. While the school has historically been regarded as a high-performing independent school, its recent regulatory journey has been mixed. Results remain consistently strong, placing the school in the top tier nationally for GCSE performance, yet the 2024 Ofsted inspection graded the school Requires Improvement due to leadership and compliance shortcomings.

The school operates from a compact site on Sinope Street. With fewer than 90 students aged 11 to 16, the environment is intimate and community-focused. The ethos is built on Ilm (Knowledge) and Amal (Action), creating a culture where religious observance and academic ambition are treated as interconnected duties.

Mr Abdullah Patel leads a tight-knit community where staff know every student. The atmosphere is calm and disciplined. Students wear a uniform that includes the abaya and headscarf, reinforcing a shared identity and modesty that is central to the school’s character.

Classes are small, typically around 18 students. This ensures that no student can drift anonymously through their education. The relationship between staff and students is respectful, with a strong emphasis on Adab (etiquette) and mutual support.

Academic performance is the school’s standout feature. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 63.6, significantly above the England average of 45.9.

Ranked 306th in England and 4th in Gloucester for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), Al-Ashraf sits in the "national high" band, outperforming 93% of schools in the country. This places it in the top tier locally, competing directly with the selective grammar schools in Gloucestershire.

Nearly three-quarters of students (73.7%) achieved Grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics, well above the England average. The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) average point score of 6.14 is exceptionally high, reflecting a curriculum that remains rigorous and traditional rather than chasing easier qualifications.

The curriculum is broad but traditional, balancing the National Curriculum with Islamic Studies. Teachers have high expectations and subject knowledge is strong. The small class sizes allow for a seminar-style approach in many lessons, where students are expected to contribute and question.

In addition to core GCSE subjects (English, Mathematics, Science), the school places a heavy emphasis on Humanities and Languages. Religious Education is central, not just as an exam subject but as a lived curriculum. Students also study Urdu and Arabic, linking their linguistic development to their faith heritage.

The most recent Ofsted inspection noted that despite leadership challenges, the quality of education remains a strength. Teachers use assessment well to check for gaps in learning, and pupils are quick to rectify misconceptions.

As the school ends at Year 11, transition is a key focus. The majority of leavers progress to local sixth form colleges or grammar school sixth forms, including Ribston Hall High School, The Crypt School, and Denmark Road High School.

The school prepares students thoroughly for this jump. The academic rigour at GCSE means Al-Ashraf graduates are often well-equipped for the demands of A-levels. Careers guidance includes visits to universities and talks from alumnae who have progressed to higher education and professional careers.

Admission is by application directly to the school. While the school is independent, it does not select purely on academic ability in the way a grammar school might, but it does assess applicants to ensure they can access the curriculum.

The main entry point is Year 7. Applications typically open in the autumn term of Year 6, with assessments and interviews taking place in January. Families should contact the school office for specific deadlines, as the small intake (approximately 18-20 girls) means places are limited and demand often exceeds supply.

Priority is often given to siblings and those who demonstrate a commitment to the school’s ethos, though the process is transparent.

Pastoral care is rooted in the Islamic faith. The concept of Tarbiyah (nurturing) underpins the support system. Form tutors act as the first point of contact, but in such a small school, all staff are involved in student welfare.

The school has effective systems for monitoring wellbeing. Ofsted inspectors noted that students feel safe and that bullying is rare. When issues arise, they are dealt with quickly through a restorative approach that aligns with the school’s values.

Mental health is supported through a combination of spiritual guidance and professional support where necessary. The school fosters a "sisterhood" environment where older students mentor younger ones, creating a vertical support network that reduces isolation.

Despite the limitations of the site, the school offers a range of enrichment activities. There is no vast playing field, so physical education makes use of local facilities and creative on-site solutions.

Clubs include nasheed (Islamic singing), calligraphy, science club, and debating. Charity work is a major pillar of school life. Students regularly organise fundraising events for local and international causes, reinforcing the Islamic pillar of Zakat and Sadaqah (charity).

Educational trips are frequent. Recent visits have included Science Museum trips, geography field work, and residential retreats that combine outdoor activities with spiritual reflection.

Fees are exceptionally low for the independent sector, reflecting the school's community mission.

For the academic year 2025/2026, fees are £2,580 per year for Years 7-9, rising to £3,120 for Year 10 and £3,180 for Year 11. Fees are inclusive of VAT.

There are no published bursaries, but the school mentions a Zakat Fund for families in legitimate financial difficulty who cannot meet payment deadlines. Parents should contact the school directly for details on financial support.

The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Friday finishing times may vary to accommodate Jumu'ah (Friday prayers).

The school is located in central Gloucester, making it accessible by public transport. However, there is no dedicated school bus service, so most families rely on cars or public buses.

Current Ofsted Rating. The school was rated Requires Improvement in April 2024. This judgment related primarily to leadership, management, and regulatory compliance (including record-keeping) rather than the quality of education or pupil behaviour. A monitoring visit in December 2024 noted that an action plan is in place, but families should be aware that the school is currently on an improvement journey regarding its regulatory standards.

Faith Commitment. The Islamic character is pervasive and genuine. Families must be comfortable with a curriculum and culture deeply rooted in Islamic values, including prayer times, dress code, and religious studies.

Small Site. The school achieves miracles in a small footprint. Families looking for expansive sports fields, swimming pools, or grand theatres on-site will not find them here. The focus is on what happens in the classroom rather than the facilities around it.

No Sixth Form. Students must move on at 16. While this allows the school to focus entirely on the 11-16 age range, it does mean another transition is required after GCSEs.

Al-Ashraf Secondary School for Girls is a powerhouse of academic achievement wrapped in a modest exterior. It proves that a school does not need vast facilities to deliver elite outcomes. Best suited to families seeking a distinct Islamic environment where academic rigour and spiritual development are given equal weight. The main challenge is securing a place in this small cohort and accepting the current journey towards regulatory improvement.