Lambeth Muslim school gets state funding » Education » 24dash.com

The second state-funded Muslim school in Lambeth has just launched - one of only a handful in the country.

Iqra Primary School in Brixton has made the transition from being an independent school to being voluntary-aided - a move which will substantially increase its funding and ability to deliver an excellent education.

A £250,000 grant from Lambeth Council has provided essential short-term support to prevent Iqra from closing down. The grant was used to help the school make the transition - such as back-paying teachers who had been working for free and making some modifications to the school building.

As an independent school, Iqra was under threat of closure, struggling under financial pressures with some parents unable to pay school fees. However, demand for the school remained exceptionally high.

Lambeth is now thought to be the only London borough to have two state-funded Muslim schools.

Cllr Paul McGlone, Lambeth’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We’re pleased that we can provide a free education at this popular school. It’s a rarity for any borough to have one, let alone two, state-funded Muslim schools and we believe it helps us meet the needs of Lambeth’s diverse community.”

As a state school, Iqra will follow the national curriculum while retaining its religious ethos and Quoranic studies. Becoming voluntary-aided also means the school will receive support from the council’s education consultants and its governing body will include experienced school governors.

Interim head of school Firdos Qazi said: "The parents, pupils and the community are pleased that Lambeth have accepted them as part of their family of schools. We are looking forward to working with our friends and neighbours to make a school of which they and we can be proud."

The school, which is based in two four-storey Victorian houses, will share resources with two other Lambeth primary schools - Loughborough and Kings Avenue - using sports and IT facilities, kitchen, and classrooms.

Iqra Primary School currently has 100 pupils, aged four to 11 years plus a nursery. Around 60 per cent of the school’s population are Somali.

Orchard Primary School in Brixton Hill became Lambeth’s first state-funded Muslim school in September 2006.