Al-Hijrah School: A History of Growth and Closure
The story of Al-Hijrah School is one of rapid expansion and eventual systemic failure. Founded as a community-driven initiative in Birmingham, the institution evolved from a small operation in rented rooms to a purpose-built facility, before facing a series of regulatory and legal challenges that led to its permanent closure.
Founding and Early Expansion
Al-Hijrah School was established on July 17, 1988, by the Al-Hijrah Trust, a charitable organization formed in Birmingham by a group of Muslims led by Mohammad Abdul Karim Saqib. The school began its journey at the Birmingham Central Mosque, where it operated out of three rented rooms.
As the student population grew, the school moved to Midland House in Small Heath in 1990. The 1990s marked a period of significant growth, culminating in 1997 when the Trust acquired the former Cherrywood Grammar School premises in Bordesley Green from the Birmingham Local Education Authority. This purpose-built facility, originally constructed in 1912, had served as a grammar school and later a comprehensive school before closing in 1994.
Following an extensive renovation program funded by the Trust, the new buildings opened to pupils on September 1, 1999. By autumn 2001, the institution transitioned from a private school to a voluntary-aided school, a status that allows schools to receive state funding while maintaining a degree of independence in their governance and admissions.
Financial Success and Operational Challenges
The school continued to expand its reach and financial support. In 2008, it exceeded its sponsorship target for small schools, receiving £58,000 against a target of £30,000. This success prompted the administration to consider new premises to accommodate further growth.
However, the school's trajectory shifted in December 2013 when Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) rated the school as "inadequate" and placed it in special measures. Ofsted cited "too heavy involvement" by governors in the daily operations of the school. This instability was reflected in the leadership, with the school cycling through three head teachers in the 18 months leading up to March 2014.
Legal Battles and Regulatory Intervention
Following the Ofsted report, Birmingham City Council replaced the school's governors with an interim executive board, noting that the previous governing body had created a substantial budget deficit. In December 2014, the council also launched an investigation into allegations that state funding intended for Al-Hijrah School had been diverted to establish a school in Pakistan.
The school later became embroiled in a legal dispute in September 2016 regarding alleged sex discrimination. The school attempted to block the publication of an Ofsted report that criticized its policy of separating boys and girls. In July 2017, the High Court ruled that while Ofsted could name the school, the claim that such separation was illegal was "erroneous."
Shortly thereafter, in July 2017, the Department of Education ordered an independent trust to take over the school's leadership. This decision followed the discovery of library books containing content stating that a man could beat his wife lightly and that a wife must submit to her husband regardless of her consent to sex.
Final Years and Closure
The school's struggles continued into 2019, with Ofsted reporting that significant and ongoing gender segregation persisted. This included practices such as requiring girls to wait to eat until all the boys had finished.
Al-Hijrah School officially closed on August 31, 2019. It was succeeded by the Olive School, Small Heath, an Islamic school catering to children aged 4 through 11 years.
Key Facts
- Founded: July 17, 1988, by the Al-Hijrah Trust.
- Original Location: Birmingham Central Mosque.
- Status Change: Became a voluntary-aided school in autumn 2001.
- Ofsted Rating: Rated "inadequate" and placed in special measures in December 2013.
- Closure Date: August 31, 2019.
- Successor: The Olive School, Small Heath.
| Year | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Establishment | Founded by Al-Hijrah Trust in Birmingham. |
| 1997 | Facility Acquisition | Purchased former Cherrywood Grammar School. |
| 1999 | Grand Opening | Renovated buildings opened to pupils. |
| 2001 | Status Shift | Transitioned to voluntary-aided status. |
| 2013 | Ofsted Intervention | Rated "inadequate" and placed in special measures. |
| 2019 | Closure | School closed on August 31. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Al-Hijrah School?
The school was established by the Al-Hijrah Trust, a charitable organization led by Mohammad Abdul Karim Saqib and a group of Muslims in Birmingham.
Why was the school placed in special measures?
Ofsted placed the school in special measures in December 2013 after rating it "inadequate," citing excessive involvement by governors in the day-to-day running of the institution.
What legal issues did the school face regarding gender?
The school was involved in a legal battle over alleged sex discrimination and its policy of separating boys and girls. While the High Court ruled that the separation itself was not illegal, later reports highlighted problematic practices, such as girls waiting for boys to finish eating.
What happened to the school's funding?
Birmingham City Council investigated claims in December 2014 that state funding for the school had been diverted to set up a school in Pakistan, and the council also noted a considerable budget deficit created by the governing body.
What school replaced Al-Hijrah School?
Following its closure on August 31, 2019, the school was succeeded by the Olive School, Small Heath, which serves children between the ages of 4 and 11.