Rabia School
| Rabia School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
 | |
Portland Road , , LU4 8AX England | |
| Coordinates | 51°53′13″N 0°26′28″W / 51.887°N 0.441°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Private school |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Muslim |
| Established | January 1996 |
| Closed | September 2021 |
| Department for Education URN | 130331 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Gender | Girls/Boys (taught separately) |
| Age | 2 to 16 |
| Enrolment | 271 as of March 2016[update] |
| Website | http://www.rabiaschool.uk/ |
Rabia School was a
History
Rabia School was established in January 1996 as a girls school with only seven pupils of primary age on the school register in a residential building. In October 2005 the school expanded by acquiring new, bigger premises for a boys school. The school then became a full-time primary and secondary independent school for girls and boys aged 5–16 years. Additionally, the school site also incorporated a
Girls and boys attending the school were taught separately in different buildings. The school claimed to offer a mainstream education, but also had courses and subjects tailored to the Islamic faith. Special courses included
An
In April 2016 Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw revealed that he has written to the Secretary of State for Education twice about Rabia School. The letters warn of serious concerns about staff segregation at the school, with male and female staff being segregated during meetings and training. While Sir Michael conceded that the school had improved in many areas, has warned that staff segregation will prevent the school from moving up from an 'inadequate' rating.[4] In May 2016 the Charity Commission announced it was formally investigating the school.[5]
In 2019 the school was banned from admitting new pupils. In November 2020 it was announced that the Department for Education would apply to formally close the school due to repeated failings.[6] The school appealed this decision, however it formally closed as a school in September 2021. Rabia Education Trust continues to offer private tuition and support for home schooling.
References
- ^ "Rabia School - Luton". rabiaschool.uk.
- ^ "Luton Rabia School 'undermining British values' in treatment of girls". BBC News. 13 February 2015.
- ^ "Islamic faith school slammed for limiting girls to 'knitting and sewing'". lutontoday.co.uk.
- ^ "Ofsted warns of Muslim school staff gender segregation". BBC News. 28 April 2016.
- ^ Sally Weale (24 May 2016). "Luton Islamic school trust investigated by charities regulator". The Guardian.
- ^ "Rabia School in Luton: 'Gender dividing' school to be closed down". BBC News. 12 November 2020.
