A Muslim girls school in Blackburn has topped new league tables issued by the government to track improvement in pupils’ progress in English secondary schools.
Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School (TIGHS) in Blackburn, which has 120 pupils, scored highest on a measure plotting above expected improvement from the end of primary school to results in GCSEs.
Six other Muslim schools came in the top 20 nationally on the same list – Eden Boys’ School in Birmingham, Eden Girls’ School in Coventry, Preston Muslim Girls High School, Eden Girls’ School in Waltham Forest, Eden Girls’ School in Slough and Bolton Muslim Girls School.
In the headline “Progress 8” Score, TIGHS achieved the highest value-added in the country for the fourth year running.
“Progress 8” is the government’s main performance measure and reflects the value that schools add to the progress of students compared to their peers of similar prior ability across the country.
83% of students at the school achieved a “strong pass” in English and Maths, while 65% achieved the English Baccalaureate.
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The government also confirmed:
- TIGHS is ranked one of the highest in the country for results by students with low prior achievement at primary school.
- TIGHS is one of the best schools in the country for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, those living in low-income households or who are in care.
Mufti Hamid Patel, Chief Executive of Star Academies which runs the school, said: “Despite harder exams, our amazing students have worked really hard to achieve life-changing outcomes. They owe a lot to their devoted parents and our fantastic teachers and support staff.
“However, it is not just about excellent grades. We are also proud that our young women have developed good character, are informed and responsible citizens and have a commitment to serving their communities passionately.”
He added: “This is a special school, not least because of the work ethic and sense of community that is demonstrated by teachers, support staff and the wonderful young women who study there. We are particularly proud that those of our girls from the most impoverished backgrounds or who struggled in primary school have progressed so much.”
TIGHS has received several accolades over the past few years.
In December 2019, the school was designated the Sunday Times North West Secondary School of the Year. The newspaper described the achievements of the school as “astonishing.”
And in March 2014, the school was given an “outstanding” rating by Ofsted inspectors, the third time in a row that the school has received the highest accolade. In their inspection report, Ofsted praised “exceptional progress” and “outstanding leadership” at the school.
