IT is one Bolton’s top performing schools consistently posting some of the best results in the the country – but has never been afforded the resources other schools have enjoyed.
But now Bolton Muslim Girls School boasts modern facilities after a multi-million pound extension – which will allow it to take on more pupils.
The school opened in a former cotton mill to provide girls with an outstanding education in 1987.
It lacked many of the facilities of other schools and it was only in 2016 that the school was able to provide hot dinners, but its teaching and learning has been marked as one of the best.
And this week, thanks to Government cash, the school has breathed new life into the former mill building in Swan Lane, just off St Helens Road.
The new block includes a new ICT suite, design and technology, art and design, food technology areas as well as a new hall, and PE facilities.
Senior leaders at the school say the new area provides “a first-class conducive learning environment for students”.
Headteacher Idrish Patel said: “The new annex will enable the school to take an additional 150 students over the next five years.
“Every year we receive more than 400 applications, and we are only able to offer 150 places.
“We are an outstanding school, ranked consistently top in Bolton and among 10 per cenet of best performing schools in the country.
“Our vision is to expand further to allow more students to be educated in a high-performing school and increasing their chances of success in life”.
Cllr Martyn Cox, Leader of Bolton Council cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the new annex.
He said “It’s marvellous to see the new annex completed. It has transformed the school and added value to the excellent provision it offers to our young people in Bolton.
“I am delighted to see that the former mill space has been converted into a state-of-the-art educational facility as regeneration of mills is always a challenge, but I am delighted to see the results. I am sure the students will have an enjoyable learning experience”.
Yakub Patel, chairman of Prosper Multi Academy Trust, to which the school is part, said: “By working with our stakeholders our aim is to expand the school so that we can offer as many young people as possible the opportunity to receive the outstanding education that they deserve.
“This new annex is the start of our journey, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in making this expansion to the school possible.”
Cllr Cox led the tour of the school joined by senior representatives from the local authority, University of Bolton, governors, Trustees and representatives from Bolton Muslim Welfare Trust, the sponsors of the academy trust.
Mayor of Bolton Cllr Linda Thomas said “I am aware of the excellent results the school produces, both at a local and national level, and it is testimony to the hard work of both the staff and students. I am sure that the new teaching facility will enhance the learning opportunities for students, inspire current and future students to produce outstanding results.”
Dilaver Vali, The Founder Trustee and Vice Chairman of the academy trust said that he remembers vividly the opening ceremony of the main block, some 30 years ago. He said, “I am absolutely delighted that I am a witness to the opening of the new annex and there is more to do.”
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