Al-Jamiatul Islamiyah improves boarding and education

Al-Jamiatul Islamiyah is an Islamic boarding school for boys located on Willows Lane in Deane.

Inspectors found that the boarding facilities had improved significantly since their last visit, when they had failed to meet national minimum standards.

Inspectors have commended the progress made by the school in their most recent visit on September 25.

They said kitchen and boarding areas are "now much safer and cleaner".

Their report said: "Leaders have taken their responsibility to monitor the boarding provision seriously.

"They now carry out regular checks to ensure that boarders have suitable and comfortable living conditions.

“Leaders have repaired all showers, replaced carpets and painted throughout. Leaders have better considered fire risks, and fire doors are now accessible so that children and staff can leave quickly if needed.

“There is a new designated safeguarding lead who is supported by two deputies. He is proactive and enthusiastic in his actions to protect children.”

Al Jamiahtul Islamiyah Institute of Higher Education (Image: Google)However, the inspectors criticised the school for only having one working phone at the time of inspection which children can use to call home.

The report said: “This severely limits children’s opportunities to call home and have contact with their families and potentially reduces their time on the phone.”

A spokesperson from Al Jamiahtul Al Islamiyah said that the school was "delighted" with the positive report.

They said: "The Ofsted report highlighted some good practices. This is a positive step forward.

"We are grateful for the efforts of all individuals involved in the progress to date.

"We remain committed to achieving on-going progress, providing a rich student experience with both staff and student welfare, as a paramount concern.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the parents, staff, volunteers and community members for their continued support. Thank you."

However, in separate inspections on September 24 and 25, inspectors said the education provided required improvement.

But they did note that the current headteacher has only been in post since September 2024.

Ofsted inspectors commented: "Pupils make a strong contribution to the calm and respectful environment that exists at the school.

"They value the positive relationships that they have with staff, who care for them well. Pupils live up to the high expectations that the school has of their behaviour and conduct. They are extremely polite and well-mannered.

"Pupils are happy. Although the school has high aspirations for pupils’ achievement, some pupils do not achieve as well as they should."

But they added: "On behalf of the proprietor, the governing body has worked diligently to address the issues identified at the time of the previous inspection.

"It has ensured that the school meets the independent school standards (‘the standards’) in relation to the welfare and safety of pupils that were previously unmet. However, the proprietor has not ensured that all of the standards for the quality of education have been met."

Inspectors also said that the school needed to improve the personal development of pupils.

The report said: “The school is at the early stages of thinking about the personal development programme that it provides to pupils.

“As a result, pupils are not as well prepared as they should be for life in modern Britain.”

READ MORE: Bolton: Al Jamiatul Islamiyah facilities 'inadequate' Ofsted

READ MORE: Bolton: Al Jamiatul Islamiyah requires improvement, Ofsted

READ MORE: Failings at Al Jamiatul Islamiyah revealed ­— as new leadership team vows to improve the school

But it added: "At the end of key stages 4 and 5, pupils access a range of qualifications. The school has entered into partnerships with local and national colleges which has further enhanced its curriculum offer. Pupils move on to meaningful destinations including, further education, apprenticeships or employment with training. Most pupils achieve well."

Pupils were found to attend school regularly and have positive attitudes towards their learning.

The report stated: "Pupils engage purposefully with staff about the work that they are given. They relish the opportunities that they have to help each other in lessons."

Inspectors added: "Although the proprietor and the school have not fully realised their ambitions for the quality of education at the school, they are clear about what needs to be done."

The spokesman for the school added: "We are working with Ofsted for any recommendations they may have."