Islamia School for Girls' Review 2026: Faith, Identity, and Academic Excellence

Founded in 1989 by Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), Islamia School for Girls' holds a distinct place in the educational landscape of north-west London. Located in Queen's Park, the school combines a deep commitment to Islamic values with academic standards that consistently outperform both local and England averages. With a capacity of around 180 students, this is a small, close-knit environment where anonymity is impossible. The 2024 GCSE results place the school in the top 10% of schools in England, a testament to its focused, scholarly atmosphere.

The school is housed in a converted Victorian building on Salusbury Road, sharing a site with Islamia Primary School but maintaining a separate identity. Space is compact, which fosters a palpable sense of community rather than restriction. The atmosphere is calm, disciplined, and purposeful.

Mr Amzad Ali, the Headteacher, leads with a vision that intertwines spiritual development with educational excellence. The ethos is explicitly Islamic; the day is structured around prayer (Salah), and the curriculum is infused with faith-based values. However, the outlook is modern and ambitious. The school aims to produce confident Muslim women who can navigate contemporary British society with their faith intact.

Students wear a modest uniform including the hijab, and the environment is strictly single-sex. Visitors often comment on the courtesy and maturity of the students, who seem genuinely invested in their education. The small cohort size means relationships between staff and students are particularly strong, creating a supportive family feel.

Academic performance is a headline strength. In 2024, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 70.4, significantly higher than the England average of 45.9. This indicates that students achieve, on average, two and a half grades higher per subject than typical peers nationally.

Ranked 287th in England and 3rd in Brent for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school outperforms 90% of schools in England (top 10%). This places it in the high-performing tier nationally.

The percentage of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Maths is consistently high, often exceeding 90%. Success is not limited to core subjects; the school has a reputation for strong performance in Sciences and Religious Studies.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum but is tailored to the school's specific context. Alongside standard GCSE subjects, all students study Arabic and Islamic Studies. The teaching style is traditional and rigorous, with high expectations for behaviour and work ethic.

Class sizes are small, typically around 20, allowing for personalised attention. Teachers are subject specialists who often stay for many years, providing stability. The approach is academic; this is not a school that leans heavily towards vocational qualifications.

The Ofsted inspection in July 2023 rated the school Good overall, with Outstanding grades for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development. Inspectors highlighted that leaders have constructed an ambitious curriculum and that teachers have strong subject knowledge, using assessment effectively to check understanding.

Pastoral care is rooted in Islamic teachings of sisterhood and mutual respect. The small size of the school means that any issues are spotted quickly. Form tutors are the first point of contact, but the open-door policy of senior leaders means support is readily accessible.

The Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education programme is delivered within an Islamic framework, addressing modern issues while adhering to faith guidelines. The school promotes British values alongside Islamic principles, encouraging students to be active citizens.

While the site limits extensive on-site sports facilities, the school makes effective use of local amenities for Physical Education. Netball, rounders, and badminton are popular.

Extracurricular life focuses heavily on enrichment and service. Students participate in charity drives, public speaking competitions, and inter-faith events. The Citizenship programme is a core pillar, encouraging girls to look outward. Notable clubs include the Debating Society, Quran memorisation circles, and the Science Club, which extends learning beyond the syllabus.

Fees for the 2024/2025 academic year were approximately £8,250 per year. Families should check the school website for the confirmed 2025/2026 fees, as these are subject to change and may be affected by VAT.

The school is part of the Yusuf Islam Foundation, which offers a Scholarship Programme. These are merit-based and can cover up to 50% of tuition fees for academically gifted students from families in financial need. A Hardship Fund is also available for existing families who experience an unexpected change in financial circumstances.

Entry is selective. The main intake is at Year 7 (11+), with approximately 30 places available annually. The process involves an entrance examination covering English, Mathematics, and Islamic Studies, followed by an interview.

Demand is high, and the school is typically oversubscribed. Families are advised to register well in advance. The admissions criteria prioritise academic potential and a commitment to the school's ethos.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Located on Salusbury Road, the school is well-served by public transport, with Queen's Park (Bakerloo Line and Overground) and Brondesbury Park (Overground) stations nearby. There is no dedicated school bus service, and parents are discouraged from driving to the gate to reduce congestion.

Compact Site. The Victorian building is charming but tight on space. There are no sprawling playing fields or vast specialist blocks here. Families looking for extensive on-site facilities might find it constrained.

Faith Commitment. The Islamic ethos is central, not incidental. It permeates every aspect of school life, from the curriculum to the uniform. This environment suits families who want their daughter's education to mirror their home values perfectly.

No Sixth Form. Education ends at Year 11. Students must move on for A-levels. While the school prepares them excellently for this transition, families should be aware that a change of institution at 16 is inevitable.

Islamia School for Girls' offers a distinct and successful blend of faith and academic rigour. It proves that a school does not need vast facilities to achieve elite results; it needs a strong culture and high expectations. Best suited to families seeking a supportive, high-achieving Islamic environment where their daughter will be challenged academically and nurtured spiritually. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular, high-performing school.

Fees are approximately £8,250 per year (based on 2024/2025 figures). It is an independent school, and fees are subject to annual review.

Does the school have a Sixth Form?

No. The school educates girls from age 11 to 16 (Year 7 to Year 11). Leavers progress to a range of sixth forms and colleges, including local grammar schools and high-performing independent colleges.

Who founded Islamia School for Girls'?

The school was founded in 1989 by Yusuf Islam (formerly the singer Cat Stevens), who established it to provide high-quality education within an Islamic ethos.

How selective is the school?

The school is academically selective. Applicants sit entrance examinations in English, Mathematics, and Islamic Studies. Due to the small intake of around 30 girls per year, competition for places is strong.