Darul Hadis Latifiah: One of Britain's Oldest Islamic Secondary Schools

In a converted Victorian property on Cornwall Avenue, Bethnal Green, nearly half a century of Islamic education continues. Darul Hadis Latifiah, founded in 1978 by Allamah Muhammad Abdul Latif Chowdhury (known as Fultali Saheb), stands as one of the oldest Islamic secondary schools in Britain. The school serves approximately 133 boys aged 11 to 20, offering a distinctive dual curriculum that combines the National Curriculum with comprehensive Islamic studies. At GCSE, the school ranks 879th in England and 6th in Tower Hamlets (FindMySchool ranking), placing it above England average and within the top 25% of schools in England. Graduates have progressed to Cambridge, University College London, the London School of Economics, and King's College London.

The school describes itself through the acronym FAIR: Faith, Aspire, Inspire, Respect. These are not abstract values relegated to a prospectus but principles woven into daily school life. Pupils describe the school as a big family and home from home, with relationships between staff and students characterised by mutual respect and genuine warmth.

The 2023 Ofsted inspection rated Behaviour and Attitudes as Outstanding, noting that pupils act with maturity and are unfailingly polite and respectful of all. The sense of community runs deep. Students call each other brothers within a family, and older pupils naturally mentor younger ones. Sixth formers serve as big brothers to those in lower years, passing down both academic guidance and the school's distinctive culture.

Mufti Maruf Ahmed serves as Co-headteacher. A hafiz of the Quran and trained chaplain, he completed the Alimiyyah programme at Darul Hadis Latifiah himself before pursuing further studies in Yemen and Egypt. He holds a Master's degree in Islamic Studies from The Muslim College, London. His leadership reflects the school's commitment to producing well-rounded individuals grounded in both religious scholarship and contemporary engagement.

The school's physical setting is modest compared to larger independent institutions, but the atmosphere is purposeful. Prayer rooms and libraries containing extensive collections of Islamic texts reflect the dual mission. Classrooms are equipped with modern teaching aids, though the school's strength lies less in facilities than in the quality of relationships and instruction.

GCSE Performance

Academic results place the school firmly above England average. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 56.4, compared to the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 879th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the top 25% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 6th among schools in Tower Hamlets.

The 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed that all pupils enter GCSE examinations and achieved strong grades in 2022. Notably, all pupils achieved success in the English Baccalaureate qualification. The EBacc average point score of 5.67 exceeds the England average of 4.08, indicating strong performance across the core academic subjects including English, mathematics, sciences, a language, and humanities.

Progress 8 data is not available for the school, a common situation for smaller independent institutions where cohort sizes can make statistical measures less reliable.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form achieved 57.14% of grades at A*-B in the most recent results, above the England average of 47.2%. While no A* grades were recorded, 28.57% achieved grade A and 28.57% achieved grade B. The school ranks 1014th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, it ranks 1st in Tower Hamlets among schools with comparable provision.

The small sixth form cohort means percentage figures can fluctuate significantly year on year. Parents should view these as indicative rather than definitive. The school's track record of placing students at highly selective universities suggests the education prepares students effectively for advanced study.

The curriculum operates on two parallel tracks. Students follow the National Curriculum for mainstream subjects while simultaneously pursuing Islamic studies. This dual approach requires careful timetabling and demands commitment from students, but the school has refined its model over more than four decades.

At Key Stage 3 and GCSE, students study core subjects alongside a structured Islamic curriculum. Islamic studies include Qirat and Tajweed (Quranic recitation with proper pronunciation), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence focusing on the Hanafi school), and Seerah (the biography of Prophet Muhammad and early Islamic history). By Year 11, pupils are expected to have reached Attainment Level 8 of the National Curriculum while maintaining their Islamic studies.

The 2023 inspection noted that despite the Islamic faith focus, the school offers diverse subjects meeting independent school standards requirements. Teachers have strong subject knowledge in their areas, though the inspection identified that professional development for subject-specific teaching approaches remains less developed compared to general pedagogical support. In certain subjects, teachers could more explicitly identify the core knowledge pupils should master.

Class sizes remain small, typical of an independent school with 133 pupils across multiple year groups. This allows for individualised attention and close monitoring of progress.

Beyond GCSE and A-levels, the school offers the Alim Course, a four-year Islamic Higher Education programme for students who wish to pursue advanced religious scholarship. This is one of the school's distinctive offerings, providing a structured pathway for those called to become Islamic scholars.

The programme progresses through three stages: Alim (Years 1-2), covering foundational Islamic sciences including Quranic studies, Hadith principles, jurisprudence, Arabic grammar, and Islamic history; Fadil (Year 3), expanding to include Quranic exegesis, rhetoric, and Sufism; and Kamil (Year 4), focusing on the most sacred, famous and advanced books in Muslim literature, including the six canonical Hadith collections (Sihah Sittah).

Fees for the Alim Course are £1,750 per year, with a £50 admission fee. Entry requires completion of GCSEs with at least a pass in Maths and English, and applicants must demonstrate sufficient English fluency to participate fully. Only UK nationals are currently accepted; the school cannot accommodate international students for this programme.

The application process involves four stages: form submission, interview scheduling, assessment, and notification of outcome within a week of the test.

For students committed to memorising the entire Quran, the school offers a structured Hifz programme spanning four years. This intensive undertaking requires dedication and consistent effort, but the school provides the framework and expert guidance necessary for success. Completion of Hifz represents a significant spiritual achievement within the Islamic tradition.

Graduates of Darul Hadis Latifiah have progressed to some of the country's most competitive universities. The school cites Cambridge, University College London, the London School of Economics, and King's College London among destinations. Alumni testimonials emphasise the school's role in preparing them not only academically but personally for higher education and professional life.

Career paths among alumni include pharmacy, NHS administration, and local government. The combination of academic qualifications, Islamic knowledge, and personal development creates graduates who can navigate both professional environments and community leadership roles.

The leavers destinations data from the Department for Education shows a cohort size of just 2 students in the 2023/24 reporting period, too small for percentage breakdowns to be published without risking identification of individuals. This reflects the intimate scale of the sixth form rather than any concern about outcomes.

For those completing the Alim Course, career paths typically involve religious scholarship, chaplaincy, community leadership, or combining secular professions with voluntary religious service. The school produces scholars who serve mosques, educational institutions, and community organisations across the UK.

The school operates a selective admissions policy, though the process is described as straightforward. For Year 7 entry, families should contact the school directly to enquire about availability and procedures. Open days are typically held in January each year, providing opportunities for prospective families to visit and experience the school's atmosphere firsthand.

For the Alim Course, the admissions process involves completing an application form (available for download from the school website), attending an interview, sitting an assessment, and receiving a decision within one week. Applications should be sent to admissions@darulhadis.org.uk or submitted in person at 1 Cornwall Avenue, London, E2 0HW.

The school requires prospective Alim students to have completed GCSEs with at least a pass in Maths and English, and to demonstrate sufficient English fluency. Only UK nationals are currently accepted for this programme.

As an independent school, admission is not determined by catchment area or distance criteria. Places are allocated based on the school's assessment of fit and availability. Families from across London and beyond attend, though the school's location in Bethnal Green means many pupils come from the local Bangladeshi Muslim community in Tower Hamlets and surrounding boroughs.

Pastoral care is a genuine strength. The 2023 inspection rated Personal Development as Outstanding, noting that the school provides substantial enrichment opportunities including university-led workshops and educational trips supporting both academic and personal growth.

Staff and pupils maintain zero tolerance for bullying, with prompt and effective responses when issues arise. Pupils report feeling safe and well cared for. Parents express high satisfaction, with representative comments from the 2020 inspection including: my son is not just happy, he is blossoming in every way and my son feels safe and confident and that is what matters to me.

The school's faith identity creates a supportive framework for personal development. Daily prayer, Islamic values, and the guidance of staff who serve as both teachers and mentors contribute to an environment where young men can mature spiritually and personally alongside their academic growth.

Safeguarding meets all independent school standards. The 2020 inspection noted that leaders had transformed safeguarding arrangements as part of the school's journey from Inadequate (2018) to Good (2020 and 2023).

The inspection noted that currently no pupils are identified with special educational needs or disabilities requiring specialist support. The school is committed to providing broad, high-quality education for all pupils, but families with children who have significant additional needs should discuss provision carefully with the school before applying.

Extracurricular activities complement the academic and religious curriculum. Recent offerings have included a Debating Club and Public Speaking Club, with a focus on developing leadership skills. All students participated, and feedback indicated enthusiastic engagement with these programmes.

The school values community engagement, holding regular meetings and events to keep parents informed and to involve the local community in the educational process. Students are encouraged to become active, engaged members of their community, prepared to lead with integrity and make a meaningful impact.

Educational trips and enrichment activities extend learning beyond the classroom. University-led workshops introduce students to higher education opportunities and help them understand pathways to competitive universities. These practical connections support the school's strong track record of university progression.

Sports facilities are limited compared to larger independent schools, reflecting the urban location and the school's priorities. However, the focus on intellectual, spiritual, and personal development creates well-rounded individuals even without extensive playing fields.

Tuition fees are £3,500 per year, making Darul Hadis Latifiah one of the most affordable independent secondary schools in London. This reflects the school's mission to serve the community rather than operate as a premium fee-charging institution. The low cost makes Islamic secondary education accessible to families who might otherwise be unable to afford private schooling.

For the Alim Course specifically, fees are £1,750 per year with a £50 admission fee. Payment options include full payment upfront (with a 5% discount), three termly instalments, or ten monthly instalments by direct debit. Public examination fees must be paid in full before students sit exams.

The school does not publish specific bursary or scholarship information. Families requiring financial assistance should contact the school directly to discuss options.

Registration fees, uniform costs, and school trip contributions are not included in the tuition fee. Families should budget for these additional expenses when planning.

The school is located at 1 Cornwall Avenue, Bethnal Green, London E2 0HW. The nearest tube stations are Bethnal Green (Central line) and Mile End (Central, District, and Hammersmith & City lines), both within walking distance. Bus routes serve the area extensively.

Contact the school on 0208 980 2673 or 0208 983 3663, or email info@darulhadis.org.uk. The school website is www.darulhadis.org.uk.

The academic year follows a standard structure with terms beginning in September. For detailed term dates and school hours, families should consult the academic calendar on the school website or contact the school directly.

The school's journey from Inadequate (2016-2018) to Good (2020-2023) demonstrates genuine transformation. The 2020 inspection noted that leaders and governors have transformed the school by focusing on improvement areas including subjects, safeguarding arrangements, and personal development opportunities. Senior leaders have worked tirelessly with successful results.

This trajectory matters for prospective families. The school that exists today is significantly stronger than the institution that struggled in the mid-2010s. Leadership has addressed the serious concerns raised in earlier inspections, and the consecutive Good ratings in 2020 and 2023 suggest sustained improvement rather than a temporary upturn.

Islamic faith is central and pervasive. The school's Muslim character shapes every aspect of daily life, from prayer times to curriculum content to the values underpinning relationships. Families seeking this environment will find it authentic and immersive. Those who would prefer a more secular setting, or whose children are not Muslim, should look elsewhere.

Facilities are modest. Unlike larger independent schools with extensive grounds, sports facilities, and purpose-built facilities, Darul Hadis Latifiah operates from an urban campus with limited space. The strength lies in teaching quality and community rather than facilities.

The dual curriculum is demanding. Studying the National Curriculum alongside comprehensive Islamic studies requires commitment. Students must manage greater content than peers in single-track schools. This is a benefit for motivated students but could overwhelm those already struggling academically.

The sixth form is very small. With cohort sizes sometimes in single figures, the range of A-level subjects may be limited compared to larger institutions. Students seeking unusual subject combinations should verify availability before applying. The intimate environment suits some learners but may feel restrictive to others seeking broader social opportunities.

Darul Hadis Latifiah offers something genuinely distinctive: affordable, academically solid secondary education within an authentically Islamic framework, delivered by a school with nearly half a century of experience serving British Muslim families. The journey from Inadequate to Good demonstrates that leadership takes improvement seriously, and the Outstanding ratings for Behaviour and Personal Development confirm that the school produces confident, well-grounded young men.

Best suited to Muslim families in London and the surrounding area who want their sons to receive a genuine Islamic education alongside GCSEs and A-levels, without paying the high fees typical of independent schools. The low fee structure makes this accessible to families across income levels. Students who thrive here are those genuinely committed to their faith, motivated to manage a demanding dual curriculum, and comfortable in an intimate, boys-only environment with strong community bonds.

Families seeking extensive sports facilities, large sixth forms with broad A-level choice, or a secular independent education should look elsewhere. But for those whose priorities align with what Darul Hadis Latifiah offers, the school provides a unique and valuable educational experience that prepares young men for success in both this world and, in the school's understanding, the next.