Al-Noor Voluntary Aided Muslim Primary School Review 2026: Excellence Rooted in Faith and Community

Al-Noor Voluntary Aided Muslim Primary School in Goodmayes, London has a purposeful day-to-day atmosphere, shaped by clear routines and expectations. This is not mere politeness, but a culture of celebration that runs through Al-Noor like a thread. Opened in 2018, the school has rocketed to become one of London's most sought-after primaries, testament to its fierce commitment to character alongside academic rigour. The 420 pupils here sit in a two-form entry school that refuses to choose between Islamic faith and inclusive community; it does both. ranked 560th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it firmly in the top 10% of English primary schools, and ranked 6th among Redbridge primaries, Al-Noor delivers results that rival much older institutions while nurturing a sense of belonging that families travel across London to access.

The school's building, completed in 2018 at a cost of £8.5 million, was purpose-built for its mission. Two-storey structures with bright corridors, spacious classrooms, and dedicated learning zones reflect thoughtful design. Walking in, the first impression is calm organisation. Pupils move between lessons with clear purpose. The atmosphere is perceptibly different from many primaries; children here seem genuinely pleased to see their teachers.

Ms Someera Butt has led the school since March 2019, arriving as the headteacher responsible for steering a brand-new institution toward excellence. Her leadership is visible in the small details: staff speak of feeling supported, pupils describe a sense of fairness, and parents consistently praise the school's inclusive approach. The Ofsted inspection in January 2023 noted that leaders have high aspirations for all pupils, including those with SEND, and that pupils genuinely succeed here.

The school's Islamic ethos permeates daily life without creating exclusion. Pupils celebrate diversity and understand the importance of accepting others for who they are. This is not taught as an abstract concept but lived through daily interaction. Behaviour is exemplary. During assembly, pupils sit attentively. In lessons, disruption is rare. This reflects something deeper than rules; it reflects a culture where respect is embedded in the school's identity. The January 2023 Ofsted inspection awarded Outstanding for Behaviour and Attitudes, noting that pupils' exemplary conduct reflects deep respect for the school and one another.

Key Stage 2 Performance

In 2024, 93.3% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This significantly exceeds the England average of 62%. The school's average scaled scores tell a consistent story: Reading 108 (England average 104), Mathematics 109 (England average 104), and Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling 112 (England average 105). These figures reveal a school where basic foundations are secure and solid progress is the norm.

The school ranks 560th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10% of English primary schools. Locally, it ranks 6th among 45 primaries in Redbridge, demonstrating both national standing and local prestige. What these numbers mask is the value of personalisation. Pupils do not simply reach the expected standard; teaching is designed to help each child progress from their starting point.

Reading and Literacy

Reading is prioritised. The 2023 Ofsted report confirmed that leaders make reading a priority for everyone, and pupils become accurate and fluent readers who read widely. The phonics programme is well-delivered, with books matched carefully to the sounds pupils are learning. By Year 3 and beyond, pupils are reading with fluency and comprehension. Staff celebrate the joy of reading through assemblies and special events, meaning reading feels like a pleasure rather than a task.

Mathematics

Nearly all pupils meet the expected standard in mathematics (95%). The school uses structured, explicit teaching where concepts are explained clearly and pupils have time to practise. Setting begins in Year 4, allowing pupils working at different paces to have appropriately pitched challenges. Teachers use regular opportunities for pupils to recall earlier learning, building secure foundations on which more complex ideas can be constructed.

Additional Strengths

Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling is a particular area of strength, with 66% achieving the higher standard. Science outcomes are also solid, with 97% of pupils reaching the expected standard. These metrics suggest a curriculum that balances breadth with depth, allowing pupils to engage with a wide range of subjects while securing fundamental skills.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge and use it to deliver content clearly. This was highlighted in the Ofsted inspection. Class sizes average around 29 in Key Stages 1 and 2, which is typical for state primaries. Each class has a teaching assistant, providing additional support for pupils who struggle to keep pace.

The curriculum is ambitious and deliberately structured. Islamic Studies, Arabic, and Qur'an are woven through, alongside the National Curriculum. In Islamic Studies, pupils learn about beliefs, practices, Fiqh (jurisprudence), Akhlaq (character), and stories of the Prophets. Qur'an lessons focus on reading with correct tajweed (proper pronunciation), memorisation, and understanding. Arabic lessons develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. This integration is deliberate; the 2024 religious inspection noted that Islamic Studies, Arabic, and Qur'an are well-connected, with teachers linking concepts across subjects.

Science, English, and Mathematics receive daily focus. Design and Technology, Art, Geography, and History are taught with similar rigour. Physical Education includes games, gymnastics, and movement activities. The breadth is impressive, reflecting a school that wants pupils to experience the full curriculum.

One area for development, identified by Ofsted, is ensuring that teachers check for understanding with greater precision, particularly for pupils with SEND and those finding concepts difficult. Sometimes, the inspection noted, teaching moves to more complex ideas before ensuring prior learning is fully embedded. The school is working to address this through professional development and closer monitoring.

The school's approach to behaviour is grounded in Islamic values and British citizenship. Pupils are encouraged to become responsible, self-aware, and engaged with their community. The reward systems are clear: positive behaviour is noticed and celebrated. Sanctions are fair and proportionate. Pupils understand why behaviour matters; they are not simply complying with rules but learning to be good citizens.

Pastoral care is strong. Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant who monitors pupil wellbeing. The school has a trained counsellor who visits weekly for pupils needing additional emotional support. SENCO provision is coordinated by a dedicated specialist working four days per week. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, reflecting its commitment to supporting pupils with additional needs.

Staff feel valued and well supported by leaders to manage their workload. This matters because happy staff create happy schools. Teacher retention is notably stable, meaning pupils benefit from continuity and teachers who know them well across their years at Al-Noor.

Music: A Living Tradition

Music holds a special place in Al-Noor's life. The school choir, Sawt ul Noor, is actively performing at major community events, including twice-yearly large-scale Citizens events representing the school, the faith community, and the local alliance. These performances develop confidence, musical skill, and a sense of serving the broader community. Beyond the main choir, the school's music curriculum ensures all pupils experience music, with specialist teaching in singing and rhythmic work.

Drama and Performance

While dedicated drama productions are not extensively detailed, the school provides opportunities for pupils to perform and express themselves through creative work. The cultural life of the school is enriched through whole-school productions and special events, giving pupils experience of performing to an audience and building stage confidence.

Named Clubs and Societies

The school operates an impressive array of clubs, including the Debate Club featuring in recent announcements as "Beyond Words: The Power of Debate," developing critical thinking and communication skills. Scouts provides outdoor education and teamwork. Archery clubs allow pupils to develop focus and hand-eye coordination. Arabic clubs support language development beyond the curriculum. Qur'an intervention programmes support pupils working on memorisation. Sports boosters run additional fitness and sport sessions. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts are available, with pupils achieving recognition in these sports.

Student Leadership

A formal Student Council gives pupils first-hand experience in democratic processes. Recent reports describe Student Councillors gaining insight into local government by visiting Ilford Town Hall and observing the Full Cabinet Meeting. This brings civics alive, moving beyond textbooks into real experience of how communities make decisions.

Community Events

The Al-Noor Boat Race is an annual flagship event. This large-scale community gathering brings families together in a competitive, celebratory environment. Pupils from different year groups form teams and families participate as supporters, creating bonds across the school community. These events are not frivolous additions; they build a sense of belonging and shared identity.

Facilities and Outdoor Learning

The school grounds include outdoor spaces that are used for learning. Educational visits to local parks and cultural sites enrich the curriculum, allowing pupils to experience learning beyond the classroom. The school's location on Green Lane in Goodmayes, in a built-up area, means the outdoor space is smaller than a countryside primary might offer, but it is used effectively.

Enrichment Activities

Alongside clubs, the school regularly organises enrichment activities. Recent initiatives include fitness activities for early years pupils, smoothie-making in Year 3 (combining cooking with healthy eating education), and special topic days. The school recognises that learning happens beyond traditional lessons and structures time for broader development.

Coffee Mornings and Parent Engagement

Parent involvement is actively encouraged through initiatives like Mother and Carer Coffee Mornings, creating informal spaces for families to connect. This strengthens the school community and ensures parents feel part of their child's school journey.

Most pupils in the Redbridge area progress to secondary schools within or near their local authority. The area has a mix of comprehensive secondaries and grammar schools. Some pupils take the 11-plus examination to access grammar school places; the school reports that approximately 25% of each Year 6 cohort secure grammar school places in recent years. However, the school does not offer intensive 11-plus coaching; its approach is to provide a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy while allowing families to arrange additional preparation if they choose.

The school's ultimate goal is to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and character to thrive at secondary school and beyond, regardless of which secondary they attend.

Al-Noor is a Voluntary Aided school with a stated Muslim character. Admissions operate through the standard Redbridge coordinated scheme for Reception entry, but the school is oversubscribed. In the most recent data, 383 applications were received for 59 places, a ratio of 6.49 applications per place. This is extremely competitive.

The school operates an admissions policy that reserves approximately half the places for Muslim pupils (those meeting the faith criteria), with the remaining places available to all pupils regardless of background. For Muslim applicants, parents must complete and submit a supplementary information form demonstrating their family's Muslim faith and commitment. For non-Muslim applicants, places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis after priority oversubscription criteria are applied.

Given the oversubscription, securing a place is a significant achievement. Families interested in the school should contact the school directly for detailed information on the current admissions criteria and process, or contact Redbridge Local Authority for the coordinated admissions timeline. Parents should be aware that having a sibling at the school provides priority for subsequent children.

School hours: 8:50am to 3:20pm.

Lunch arrangements: School lunches are provided daily. The school menu is available on the school website.

Wraparound care: Breakfast and after-school provision are not detailed in the published information. Parents are advised to contact the school directly on 020 8597 7576 to inquire about any before and after-school arrangements.

Travel: The school is located at 619-629 Green Lane, Goodmayes, Ilford, Essex, IG3 9RP. Public transport links include bus routes serving the area. There is limited on-site parking, so many families use public transport or walk. Parents should contact the school for detailed information on travel arrangements and any school transport provision.

Admissions support: For admissions information and key dates, contact Redbridge Local Authority or visit the school website.

The school views wellbeing as integral to learning. The curriculum includes PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning), explicitly promoting emotional health, independent living, and active citizenship. Pupils learn about keeping safe, including recognising online risks.

Staff have been trained in safeguarding and wellbeing, and the school maintains comprehensive policies and regular monitoring. The presence of a trained counsellor visiting weekly sends a clear signal that mental health matters. For pupils on the SEN register (approximately 45 pupils), support is tailored through individualised plans and regular review.

The school's values of Sincerity, Honesty, Etiquette, Resilience, Empathy, Generosity, Creativity, Honour, Gratitude, and Patience are referenced in the behaviour policy, meaning pupils use this language naturally as part of how the school community conducts itself.

Faith requirements and admissions: The school has a Muslim character and approximately half the places are reserved for Muslim pupils. This means non-Muslim families may find it harder to secure a place, with strong competition for the remaining spaces. Families comfortable with an Islamic ethos that includes daily prayer and regular Islamic teaching will find the school aligns with their values. Families uncomfortable with explicit religious teaching throughout the day should look elsewhere.

Oversubscription: With a ratio of 6.49 applications per place, entry is fiercely competitive. Unless a family has a sibling already at the school or meets the Muslim faith criteria strongly, the likelihood of securing a place is low. Families interested should have alternative secondary schools in mind and register early.

Precision in teaching: Ofsted's observation that teaching sometimes moves to complex ideas before fully checking understanding, particularly for pupils with SEND, is worth noting. While the school is addressing this, families with children who need more time to consolidate learning might want to discuss additional support arrangements with the school before entry.

Limited sport facilities: The school is in an urban area without extensive playing fields. While PE is taught and sports clubs are available, the outdoor space is limited compared to suburban or rural primaries. Families wanting a school with expansive grounds for outdoor play might find this restrictive.

Al-Noor is an exceptional primary school that combines academic strength with genuine commitment to character development and faith. The results speak clearly: top 10% in England, outstanding behaviour, strong teaching. But beneath the statistics is a school where pupils seem genuinely happy and staff feel supported. The Islamic ethos is woven through the curriculum without excluding non-Muslim pupils, and the school's emphasis on community service and citizenship is evident in every activity.

Best suited to families who value Islamic education and want their child in a school with strong discipline, rigorous academics, and genuine warmth. The competitive admissions mean entry is challenging, but for families who secure a place, the education provided is genuinely excellent. The main barrier is not what happens once admitted, but getting in; the experience thereafter typically delights families.