Understanding Islamic Curriculum in London Schools

Does an 'Islamic curriculum' mean swapping Shakespeare for scripture? It’s a common question, and the answer is both simpler and more interesting than you might think. Every state-funded school in London, regardless of faith, must follow the National Curriculum. An Islamic curriculum, therefore, is about what these schools add to that foundation, not what they take away.

The term ‘Islamic school’ itself can be confusing, as it often describes one of three very different institutions. In practice, the differences between private Islamic schools and state schools in London are significant. The main options are:

• State-Funded Faith School: Free to attend, follows the National Curriculum with an Islamic ethos.

• Private Islamic School: Fee-paying, with more flexibility to design its curriculum.

• Supplementary School (Madrasah): Part-time classes, typically on evenings or weekends.

This distinction is crucial for parents. Someone seeking Islamic primary schools in East London, for example, might choose a state-funded option for its regulated curriculum blend. Another parent may see a local mosque’s weekend classes as an effective way to supplement a child's education elsewhere.

More Than a Subject: What an 'Islamic Ethos' Actually Means in Practice

Think of an "Islamic ethos" less as an extra subject and more like a school's core philosophy. Much like a Montessori school has a unique approach to learning, an Islamic school uses its values as a lens through which it teaches everything. This isn't about changing the National Curriculum, but about creating an environment where academic learning and personal development are guided by faith-based principles.

A central part of this is the focus on Akhlaq, an Arabic term for good character and morals. This means that lessons, assemblies, and even playtime are seen as opportunities to encourage honesty, kindness, and respect. The goal is to help shape who a student becomes—a responsible and compassionate citizen—not just what they know academically.

This philosophy extends to how students see their place in the world. For instance, the Islamic concept of being a khalifah, or a steward of the Earth, is often brought to life through practical activities like school gardening projects or recycling drives. It’s about integrating values into everyday school life, connecting a spiritual idea to tangible, positive action.

How Do You Teach 'Islamic Science'? A Look Inside the Classroom

A common question is whether an Islamic ethos changes core subjects like science. The answer is no; the National Curriculum is non-negotiable. For instance, a science lesson still teaches established scientific theories. The Islamic perspective is added not as an alternative fact, but as a lens of awe and appreciation for the complexity of the natural world, framing scientific discovery as an exploration of a grand design.

This approach of adding, not subtracting, is particularly evident in history. When teaching about the European Renaissance, a lesson might also explore the "Golden Age of Islam" that peaked centuries earlier. Students learn how Muslim scholars in cities like Baghdad and Córdoba made huge leaps in algebra, medicine, and astronomy, preserving classical knowledge that later helped fuel Europe's own intellectual rebirth. It enriches the historical narrative, showing a more connected world.

Ultimately, the goal is to broaden a student’s worldview. By balancing secular and religious education, these schools aim to create learners who see how different cultures and intellectual traditions have all contributed to our shared modern knowledge.

Who Sets the Rules? How Ofsted Governs London's Islamic Schools

This strict framework is upheld by Ofsted, the government’s official schools inspector. Its role is to ensure every state-funded school, regardless of faith, meets the same national standards for academic quality and safety. An Islamic state school is therefore held to the exact same benchmark as the community school down the road.

A key part of Ofsted's requirements for faith schools is teaching the National Curriculum. Since this is non-negotiable, all inspection reports are made public. This empowers anyone to look up a school’s latest report online for an objective assessment of its performance, from its teaching quality to its leadership.

While Ofsted's oversight guarantees academic and pastoral standards, the curriculum's specifically religious elements—like the study of the Quran and the Arabic language—are also a core part of the educational experience.

What Happens in Religious Education? A Look at Quran and Arabic Studies

So, what does the specific Islamic RE curriculum involve? The syllabus for both primary and secondary schools typically centres on two distinct but related components: Quranic Studies and the Arabic language.

For many students, Quranic Studies is less about simple memorisation and more about critical engagement. The focus is often on understanding the text’s core ethical messages—lessons on compassion, justice, and personal character that are framed as relevant to life in modern Britain.

Learning the Arabic language, in turn, provides the key to unlock these foundational texts. In this sense, it can be viewed much like learning Latin to read classical philosophy; the goal is a deeper, more direct connection with the source of their heritage and values.

Building Bridges, Not Walls: The End Goal for Students

The phrase “Islamic curriculum,” once perhaps seen as a world apart, is better understood as a framework for integrating Islamic values into a nationally-approved education. It’s about looking beyond the label to understand the mission of balancing secular learning with faith.

With this perspective, passing a faith school or reading a related story becomes an opportunity to notice the dual focus on character and academic achievement. This observation is a first step toward a more nuanced understanding of this educational model's role in the city.

This approach isn’t about separation; it’s about preparation. The ultimate goal is to nurture confident British Muslims who see their faith as a powerful motive to help build a better, more connected society for everyone.