Abu Bakr Al-Ihsaan Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 January 2025

The proprietor has not ensured that all pupils are safe at school. This is because parts of the school's premises are unsafe and pose a risk of injury to pupils. Furthermore, there is currently no capacity in the leadership of the school. As a result, the school is regularly left without any senior leaders on site for significant amounts of time during a school day. Staff are ambitious and aspirational for their pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Adults are committed to helping pupils to do their best. Meaningful professional relationships help to fulfil these aims. Pupils behave well in lessons and around school. They are welcoming, friendly and work hard. Pupils are proud of their school and enjoy attending. Staff foster a sense of belonging, resulting in pupils and adults speaking of the school as a 'family'. Pupils learn about values such as tolerance, respect and diversity. They understand and respect people from different backgrounds and faith. Pupils say, 'we are all on our own journey, without judgment'. Pupils benefit from effective careers advice to help them in making decisions about their future.

What the school should improve

• The proprietor has not ensured that pupils are safe. The poorly maintained premises pose a risk of injury, and fire regulations have not been met. This puts pupils at risk of harm. The proprietor should ensure that the premises are suitable, safe and free from risk of harm.
• The school continues to operate outside of its registration agreement by not admitting boys into its 11 to 16 provision. This amounts to unlawful discrimination by sex. The proprietor should ensure that the school operates within its registration agreement.
• The proprietor has not ensured that all of the independent school standards are met in a systematic and consistent way. As a result, standards at the school are declining and pupils are not safe. The proprietor should ensure that they have the required skills, knowledge and expertise to make sure that all of the independent school standards are met.
• Significant staffing shortages, including at the leadership level of the school, are having a negative impact on pupils' learning and the daily operations of the school. The proprietor should ensure that there are adequate staff levels so that the school is effectively led and managed.
• Some staff do not have the pedagogical and subject-specific knowledge to construct and implement a fully effective curriculum. As a result, pupils do not learn as well as they could. The school should ensure that all staff have the required knowledge and expertise to fulfil their duties effectively.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)