A recent inspection by the education regulator Ofsted has identified significant areas for improvement at the Bahr Academy, an independent faith school for Muslim girls located in the West End of Newcastle. The inspection, which took place from July 8 to July 10, 2023, raised concerns that lessons offered at the school are “not ambitious enough” for the students, who are aged between 11 and 16.
The findings revealed that while the Bahr Academy meets formal independent school standards, it “requires improvement” in several critical areas. Among the key issues highlighted were deficiencies in record-keeping related to safeguarding, inadequate staff training, and the lack of appropriately ambitious curriculum content.
Inspectors noted that the school’s systems for recording and communicating safeguarding incidents were insufficient. They stated, “Record-keeping and communication related to safeguarding are not strong enough. This means that important information related to the safety and wellbeing of pupils may not be accessible, or may not be shared, in a timely way.” Ofsted urged the school to strengthen these systems, ensuring rigorous oversight by the board of trustees.
In terms of staff training, Ofsted emphasized that the proprietor had not provided adequate training for staff across all subjects. The report indicated that this shortcoming affected the pedagogical approaches and lesson activities, which did not consistently support students in developing increasingly sophisticated knowledge. The inspectors wrote, “The activities for some pupils are not ambitious enough. The school should ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills to deliver the school’s planned curriculum so that all pupils achieve.”
The report also pointed to concerns regarding lesson content, stating, “In some subjects, the learning intentions do not show appropriate ambition for all pupils. This means that pupils do not achieve as well as they should across all subjects.” Ofsted recommended that all subjects establish clear learning intentions to enhance students’ acquisition of essential knowledge.
In addition to these criticisms, the Bahr Academy had submitted an application to the Department for Education to change the age range of pupils, its premises, and the maximum number of students enrolled. However, inspectors expressed doubts about the school’s ability to meet independent school standards should these changes be implemented.
Despite the identified shortcomings, the inspection report highlighted several positive aspects of the school. It noted that in many subjects, pupils demonstrate good progress and achieve positive outcomes, particularly at key stage 4. The report described the pupils as having a “uniformly positive” attitude towards school, with low levels of classroom disruption and “incredibly high” attendance rates.
The report also acknowledged the school’s efforts in fostering leadership opportunities for students, stating, “The school provides pupils with leadership opportunities and experiences that motivate and excite them.” Activities such as organizing enterprise days and fundraising events, alongside community involvement, were commended. Furthermore, the school emphasizes students’ mental wellbeing and connects its Islamic curriculum with fundamental British values, helping pupils develop a strong understanding of their place in the community.
The Bahr Academy has been contacted for comment regarding the findings of the Ofsted inspection.
