Ellen House Secondary in Ellen House on Waddington Street is a new high school which promises to “transcend traditional boundaries” through “innovative teaching methods” and a “robust” curriculum in an “Islamic environment”.
The school promises to teach up to 80 boys, between the ages of 11 to 16.
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Records on the history of the building suggest it was once an office block before a fundraising appeal was launched to raise money for an Islamic boy’s school, proposed to be called Imaam Yusuf Academy.
In April this year, Ofsted inspector Mavis Smith visited the premises ahead of its opening to see if the proposed school would meet the expected standards.
Ms Smith said the prepared and “ambitious” curriculum “sufficiently” covers a broad range of subjects that will contribute to students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural education.
Students at Ellen House will have access to a range of academic qualifications with lessons covering reading, writing, speaking and listening, mathematics, science, computing, art and design, humanities, physical education and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, including learning about protected characteristics and relationships and sex and health.
They will also learn about a range of faiths and cultures and how they can “contribute to the life of their community” beyond school.
The inspector noted the school understands pupils will benefit from a “balance of opposing views” when learning about politics.
The school will also emphasise positive behaviour with anti-bullying policies in place, meaning any incidents of poor behaviour will be recorded and leaders can respond quickly.
Safeguarding, first aid provision, arranged fire drills and the health and safety policy were also found to be in compliance with standards.
As for the physical premises, Ofsted is satisfied the building complies with regulations and will carry out regular tests on electrical equipment, gas boilers, water and fire and smoke alarms.
The school has several classrooms, a science laboratory, offices, a room for sick and injured pupils, a staff room, storerooms and a “spacious” multi-purpose room for assemblies, prayers and lunch.
The inspector added: “The proposed accommodation is of a good standard and is well-maintained.”
Meanwhile, PE lessons will be delivered at a local sports centre.
The school proposes hiring seven teaching staff and five welfare staff which Ms Smith said is “sufficient” to ensure the pupils will be effectively supervised while each recruit will also be thoroughly checked.
Information about the school has been detailed on a new website and a suitable complaints policy has been established.
As a result, Ofsted said the school is likely to meet all the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.
The school’s new website adds its ethos is grounded in excellence, faith and spirituality, which “cherish” Islamic heritage and values, as well as character and mortality and leadership and service.
The website adds: “We want our students to have the confidence and resilience to stand up for what is right and the desire to reach out to others.
“This balance of confidence and compassion is not on any syllabus, yet it is central to everything we do and embedded in our aims and values.”
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