Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School

Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 1 Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School Senate House, 62–70 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3SR

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report:

Overall outcome The school is unlikely to meet all the independent school standards if it is registered

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report:

The purpose of this inspection was to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the proposed school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards and associated requirements that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out pre-registration inspections of proposed independent schools, we report on the provider’s likely compliance with part 8 of the independent school standards first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the independent school standards consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has a clear vision for the proposed school and the pupils it will serve. Leaders demonstrate skills, experience and knowledge appropriate to their roles. The proposed school has developed policies and curriculum plans that reflect its intended ethos and aims. Staff, including the headteacher, have not yet been appointed, although plans are in place to do this quickly if the school is granted permission to open.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The school proposes a steady and assured approach to enrolling pupils. It plans to admit an initial cohort of Year 7 and Year 8 pupils. The school intends to increase the cohort by introducing a new year group every year over the next 4 years.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

However, the proprietor has not ensured that the independent school standards (the standards) are likely to be met. The systems of checks and oversight in place Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 2 at the time of this inspection have not been effective in ensuring that the school is ready to admit pupils. These shortfalls demonstrate that the proprietor has not taken sufficient steps to ensure pupils’ safety and welfare.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Curriculum

The proprietor has produced a curriculum policy that reflects the mission and ethos of the proposed school. The curriculum is broad and balanced. It sets out what will be taught in each subject and year group and shows how pupils’ knowledge will build over time. This includes plans to support pupils who are at an early stage of learning to read. Physical education will be delivered in a nearby public park, which will also be used for recreation times.

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Curriculum

The proposed schemes of work are detailed enough to guide teachers in the key knowledge which pupils should learn. The proprietor has considered pupils’ likely different interests and ambitions, as well as the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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Curriculum

The school’s personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum covers a suitable range of topics. The policy and intended practice for relationships and sex education (RSE) are appropriate. RSE will be taught as part of the PSHE curriculum. The proprietor has suitable plans to consult with parents and carers about the content of the RSE programme.

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Curriculum

The school has a detailed plan for careers education. The proprietor understands the requirement to provide pupils with impartial and high-quality careers advice and guidance. The school intends to work with a range of external providers so that pupils are well informed and supported to make appropriate choices for the next stage of their education. Careers education will begin with the youngest pupils and build progressively as pupils move through the school, with a stronger focus on employability skills as they get older.

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Teaching

The proprietor intends to employ qualified and experienced staff who can support pupils to gain the knowledge and skills needed for future education or employment. An induction and professional development programme is planned to help staff promote the school’s aims and deliver the curriculum effectively. The proprietor also intends to check the quality of teaching and ensure the curriculum Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 3 is implemented as planned. These checks will identify any training needs so that staff receive appropriate support.

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Assessment

The proposed school has well ‑ considered assessment procedures to support pupils. These include plans to assess pupils when they join the school so that staff understand their starting points and needs. The proprietor has thought carefully about how and when pupils will be assessed so that the information gathered is used effectively to support their progress. Staff will use assessments to check what pupils know and remember in each subject. This information will be evaluated and shared with parents, as appropriate.

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Assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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pupils

The proprietor understands the importance of promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This will be achieved through the taught curriculum and through establishing a strong, caring ethos. The proposed school intends to create a culture that promotes pupils’ respect for others and for themselves. It aims to build pupils’ confidence, independence and resilience so that they can make a positive contribution to society.

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pupils

The curriculum includes planned opportunities for pupils to learn about equality, diversity and a range of cultures and beliefs. Lessons, tutor times and assemblies will be used to discuss topical issues. The proprietor aims to promote fundamental British values such as democracy and tolerance, and develop pupils’ understanding of life in modern Britain. Through regular involvement in the local community, pupils will take part in activities that strengthen their sense of social responsibility.

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pupils

The PSHE curriculum includes an appropriate range of themes and topics, such as keeping safe, healthy living and mental health education. The curriculum will be reviewed regularly, adapted according to pupils’ contexts and needs and taught sequentially over time.

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pupils

The proprietor is aware of the risks associated with the promotion of partisan views. Policies and monitoring systems are in place to ensure that teaching remains balanced and impartial.

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pupils

The standard in this part is likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 4

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Safeguarding

The safeguarding policy is compliant with the latest government guidance. It will be available on the school website and on request. The headteacher and one other member of staff will be trained as designated safeguarding leads, once appointed.

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Safeguarding

Staff will complete safeguarding training regularly. All concerns will be recorded promptly on a central electronic system, and staff will be trained to use it. Leaders intend to check staff’s safeguarding knowledge routinely to ensure they are confident in taking action when required.

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Safeguarding

However, the proprietor has not taken suitable steps to promote the welfare of pupils. This is because several aspects of the premises currently present a risk to pupils.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proposed school has a suitable written behaviour policy that sets out clear expectations for pupils’ behaviour. These are based on the school’s aims and values. Training on this policy forms part of the staff induction process. The school has suitable systems to record all behaviour incidents. Leaders will analyse these records to identify patterns and trends. Appropriate support for pupils will be put in place, where required. The proposed staffing structure will ensure that pupils are adequately supervised at all times.

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Anti-bullying

The proposed school has a comprehensive anti-bullying policy. It defines different types of bullying and sets out clear procedures for reporting and responding to any incidents. The policy explains how pupils will learn about bullying and encourages them to tell someone if they or others are being bullied. The school intends that pupils will learn about bullying through the PSHE curriculum, assemblies, and planned events and workshops.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school has suitable policies, written guidance and procedures to ensure pupils’ welfare, health and safety. These set out how the school will comply with relevant health and safety laws. The school has completed several required premises and safety checks, including electrical installation surveys. However, some checks, such as water safety checks and actions to check for the presence of asbestos in parts of the building, have not yet been carried out. Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 5 Appropriate firefighting equipment and fire evacuation procedures are in place. The school intends to carry out routine checks on equipment and alarms and to hold regular fire drills. A recent fire risk assessment identified that electronic appliance testing had not been completed and that the fire alarm zone plan was not displayed next to the alarm panel. These actions were not completed by the

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

target date. As a result, the school does not currently comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school has a suitable first-aid policy. The proprietor intends that all staff will receive appropriate first-aid training before the school opens. The school also has an appropriate system for recording accidents and injuries.

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Admissions and attendance

Effective systems are in place for admissions and for monitoring attendance. The admissions register template shows that statutory information will be recorded for each pupil. The proposed school will use the DfE’s register codes. These arrangements, if implemented effectively, are likely to comply with the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2024.

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Risk assessment

The proposed school has an appropriate risk assessment policy. It identifies the risks pupils and staff may encounter and how these will be managed. Several risk assessments underpin the policy. They set out the key risks and the measures in place to mitigate them.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

The proprietor has undertaken safter recruitment training and understands the required checks for new staff, contractors and members of the proprietor body. The proposed school recognises that these checks must be completed before any appointments are made. It does not intend to employ agency or supply staff. However, the proprietor understands the procedures required to check the suitability of supply staff should this become necessary. Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 6

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proposed school has an electronic single central record. It is set up in a way that is likely to meet statutory requirements once staff recruitment has begun. All required checks have been completed for members of the proprietor body, including enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks and Section 128 checks to confirm their suitability to operate a school. The proposed school does not intend to have a governing board.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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and showers

The premises have a sufficient number of toilet and washing facilities for staff and pupils. Toilets can all be secured from the inside and have washing facilities with an adequate supply of hot and cold water. The temperature of the water does not pose a risk of scalding. However, currently there are no showering and changing facilities for pupils.

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and showers

Suitably labelled drinking water points are located throughout the building.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

During the inspection, the proprietor relocated the medical room to ensure that it is fit for purpose. It is equipped with a medical bed and hand ‑ washing facilities and has a toilet nearby. The room also has a well-stocked first-aid kit.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proposed school is not being maintained to a suitable standard or an acceptable level of cleanliness for the 100 pupils for which the registration has been requested. As a result, the accommodation is not fit for purpose.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Several issues pose health and safety risks. For example, one toilet is leaking and another bathroom has a missing ceiling tile. Exposed wires are visible in 2 corridors. In the kitchen, a cupboard door is broken and chemicals have not been locked away. In several classrooms, window limiters are broken. This means that windows fully open without restriction. In some areas, the flooring underlay is exposed and skirting boards are not securely attached. The water fountains are dirty and stained. Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 7 The school is located on a busy main road close to 2 other settings run by the same proprietor. One is a registered nursery, and the other is a site the proprietor is seeking to register as an independent school. To mitigate against potential dangers from the road, the proprietor intends to implement a staggered drop ‑ off and pick ‑ up system. The proposed school has submitted its plans to the local

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

authority and was awaiting a decision at the time of this pre ‑ registration inspection.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Large windows admit plenty of natural light. Classrooms are spacious, bright and airy, with appropriate acoustics. Outside, sufficient lighting around the building ensures safe passage after dark. Emergency lighting is maintained and in good working order.

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Outdoor space

The proposed school does not have suitable outdoor space for pupils. The proprietor plans for pupils to use the local park for recreation and physical education. The park is a very short walk from the school. The proprietor has appropriate plans to ensure pupils are well supervised at all times.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school’s website is still under construction. During the inspection, the proprietor demonstrated understanding of the key information it must include. Information provided on the website will include the school’s safeguarding policy, which meets current guidelines. Other key policies will also be available on the website or on request. The website will also provide contact details for the school and the proprietor.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The school recognises that many parents may not speak English and therefore have considered how they will provide translation services, for example in Urdu or Arabic.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has considered the format of annual reports for parents. These reports will be comprehensive and will give a clear picture of each pupil’s achievements, behaviour and attendance information. Regular parents’ evenings will be used to keep parents informed of their children’s progress.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has suitable plans for reporting how income for children in care is used. They also have plans for reporting information needed for reviews of Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 8 education, health and care (EHC) plans, should pupils with EHC plans or children in care be admitted to the proposed school.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proposed school has a suitable complaints policy. The website is still under construction, so the policy is not yet published, but it is available on request. It will be published once the website is complete.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The policy clearly explains how complaints will be handled. It sets out a clear structure and timescales, moving from informal to formal stages if needed. Formal complaints will be heard by at least 3 people who have not been involved in the matter. The school understands the requirement to record and store complaints and to report the number received each year.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standard in this part is likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The proposed school is wholly committed to inclusion, equality and diversity. The school’s accessibility plan meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools.

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About this inspection

Inspectors checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

Following our renewed inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

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About this inspection

This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection. Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 9 The inspectors spoke with the proprietor during the inspection.

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About this inspection

The inspector confirmed the following information about the school:

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to cater for up to 100 boys aged 11 to 16. It will have an Islamic religious character. The school does not intend to have a governing board.

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About this inspection

The school will support a very small number of pupils with SEND and does not intend to have any pupils who have EHC plans in the first instance.

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About this inspection

The site of the proposed school is Senate House, 62–70 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3SR. The premises are situated on a main road in a building that was previously used as offices. The accommodation is set across 3 floors and consists of a range of classrooms, a kitchen area and toilet facilities. There is no outside space.

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About this inspection

The school does not intend to use alternative provision.

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About this proposed school

Proprietor Darul Madinah Slough Limited Headteacher Not Known Type of school Other independent school Capacity 100

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s proposal: 11 to 16 Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 10 Gender of pupils Provider’s proposal: Boys

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teaching staff

Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s proposal: 3 Annual fees for day pupils £4000 Email address operations.slough@darulmadinah.co.uk

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and  11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  12 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005[12].

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured. Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 11

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. Darul Madinah Boys Grammar School, 31 March 2026 12 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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