Located on the bustling Upper Tooting Road, Al Risalah Secondary School provides a distinct Islamic education for girls aged 11 to 16. The school combines the National Curriculum with a deep commitment to Islamic values, aiming to produce confident British Muslim women. Rated Good with Outstanding features in its most recent inspection, the school is known for its close-knit community and strong personal development.
Under the leadership of Executive Principal Mr Suhayl Lee, the school operates with a clear vision: to integrate academic rigour with spiritual growth. While facilities are compact compared to larger state academies, the school makes effective use of its site to deliver a broad education. It serves families from Wandsworth and neighbouring boroughs who seek an environment where faith is the foundation of daily life.
The atmosphere is purposeful, respectful, and visibly shaped by Islamic principles. Students wear the uniform with pride, and the daily routine includes prayer (Salah) and reflection. The school’s ethos is built on Adab (manners), creating a calm environment where relationships between staff and students are courteous and supportive.
The latest Ofsted inspection (February 2025) rated the school Good overall, highlighting Personal Development as Outstanding. Inspectors noted that pupils are "proud to belong to this close-knit and welcoming community" and praised the school’s work in developing responsible, reflective citizens. The environment is one of high expectations; students are encouraged to be ambitious in their career goals while remaining true to their faith.
Al Risalah consistently performs well, often exceeding national averages in core metrics. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 59.1, significantly above the England average of 45.9. This indicates that students achieve high grades across a range of eight subjects.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Alongside the full National Curriculum—including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Art—students follow a structured Islamic Studies programme.
Teachers have secure subject knowledge and use assessment effectively to check understanding. The 2025 inspection found that the curriculum is logically ordered and that teachers model concepts clearly. Support for pupils with SEND is effective, ensuring they access the full curriculum.
A key strength is the integration of faith into learning. Discussions in subjects like science and history often incorporate Islamic perspectives, helping students reconcile religious teachings with contemporary knowledge.
As an 11-16 school, Al Risalah does not have a sixth form. Students leave at the end of Year 11 to pursue A-levels and vocational courses at local colleges and sixth forms.
The school provides a robust careers programme, offering impartial advice and guidance. Leavers typically progress to high-performing local providers, including grammar school sixth forms and colleges in Wandsworth and Sutton. The strong academic foundation laid at Al Risalah ensures most students secure their first-choice destinations, with many eventually progressing to university.
Admissions are managed directly by the school. The main entry point is Year 7, and the process is competitive.
The school is non-selective regarding background but seeks families who are fully committed to the Islamic ethos.
Pastoral care is a standout feature, underpinned by the school’s religious character. The small size of the school ensures every student is known personally. Form tutors provide daily support, and the school’s "Outstanding" personal development rating reflects the success of its pastoral programmes.
Spiritual wellbeing is prioritised alongside mental health. The PSHE curriculum covers statutory requirements, including Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), delivered in a manner that respects Islamic tenets while preparing girls for life in modern Britain.
Despite limited outdoor space on site, the school offers a varied extracurricular programme.
Options include Arabic calligraphy, nasheed (choir), science club, debating, and art.
The school organises regular educational visits to museums, galleries, and field trips to enhance learning.
Charity work (Khidmah) is central to the school’s values. Students regularly fundraise for local and international causes, fostering a sense of social responsibility.
Al Risalah Secondary School is an independent fee-paying school. It strives to keep fees accessible to the local community.
Note: Fees are subject to annual review. Please verify the exact current rates directly with the school office.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per year
8:15am to 3:30pm (Fridays may finish earlier for Jummah prayers).
Located on Upper Tooting Road, the school is excellently served by public transport. Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway (Northern Line) are short walks away, and multiple bus routes stop outside.
There is no on-site parking for parents. Families are strongly encouraged to use public transport.
Al Risalah Secondary School offers a nurturing and academically rigorous environment where girls can flourish in both their studies and their faith. The "Outstanding" personal development and strong GCSE results demonstrate that the school delivers on its promise of character and ambition. Best suited to families seeking a supportive, faith-based education that prepares girls to be confident, modern Muslim women. The main challenge is the competitive entry and the lack of on-site green space.
Yes. The school was rated Good overall with Outstanding features in Personal Development by Ofsted in February 2025. It consistently achieves strong academic results, with a 2024 Attainment 8 score of 59.1, well above the national average.
Fees are approximately £4,200 - £4,600 per year (subject to annual review). This is significantly lower than the London average for independent schools. There is also a registration fee of around £100.
Yes. This specific school (URN 101090) is for girls aged 11-16. The trust also operates a boys' school (Al Risalah Boys' School) nearby, but they are separate establishments.
No. As an independent school, admission is not based on distance. Places are offered based on the entrance examination and interview. Families travel from across Wandsworth, Merton, and Sutton.
Applications are made directly to the school, not the local authority. You must complete an application form and your child will be invited to sit an entrance exam in English, Maths, and Islamic Studies, typically in January.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per year
Get in touch with the school directly
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