Our Vision

Our goal at Barnet Hill Academy is to raise young children in a safe and secure environment in line with the ethos and principles of Islam, and focused around our tripartite vision of: Faith, Excellence and, Knowledge.

Barnet Hill Academy Voluntary Aided (V.A.) School

The Board of Governors of Barnet Hill Academy have submitted an application for BHA to become a Voluntary Aided School. The ethos of Barnet Hill Academy is to provide excellence in primary school education in an environment that is founded upon the Islamic faith, specifically the Ahl-al-Sunnah (Sunni) school of thought.

FAQs

What is a Voluntary Aided school?

A Voluntary Aided (VA) school is one that is maintained by the local authority, but where the governing board of the school employs staff and implements the admissions criteria. Voluntary aided schools are usually designated as having a religious character, such as the one proposed at Barnet Hill Academy.

How is a faith-designated VA school different to other schools?

Faith designation constitutes legal recognition that a school has a religious character. This means that the governing board of the school is able to give priority for up to 100% of school places on faith-based admissions criteria; appoint teachers by reference to faith; and provide religious education and collective worship according to the tenets of the faith of the school.

Do families have to live in Barnet to attend or apply to the school?

No, however, places are based upon demand. For children currently attending the school who live outside of Barnet, the demand or proximity factor in allocating school places will not apply; thereafter, so long as places are available, children outside of Barnet are free to apply.

Will there be school fees to be paid?

We are proud to offer a rich Islamic education alongside teaching the National curriculum, as well as providing our students with excellent spiritual and personal enrichment programmes. Whilst VA schools are supported by the local authority, the Government funding will not cover the full cost of our students’ education. In order to support the Islamic Studies curriculum and related staffing and resources, fee contributions are needed so that the school continues to support and develop this area of its work robustly and firmly through a strong faith focus. Without financial support from parents through voluntary fee contributions, we risk having to cut back on the very things that make our school exceptional. Voluntary contributions are also a critical part of the running costs of the school, required for the maintenance of facilities and resources and towards any capital expenditure that the local authority is unable to fund.

Which subjects are taught at Barnet Hill Academy?

We follow the National Curriculum, and teachers teach all of the subjects detailed therein. Teachers identify opportunities for our faith ethos and values to be incorporated in their teaching; they do this by integrating, for example, scientific discoveries during the Golden Age of Islam, all the way through to breakthroughs and achievements of contemporary Muslims.

Will RSE (Relationship & Sex Education) be taught at Barnet Hill Academy?

Faith-designated VA schools have additional freedoms around the teaching of Religious Education, PSHE Education and RSE. The faith lead at BHA will develop and deliver age-appropriate elements of these subjects in line with tenets of the Islamic faith and in the context of Islamic family values. 

Are Islamic values part of the curriculum?

The Islamic faith ethos and values of our school are integrated throughout the curriculum and guide our teaching, learning and behaviour. Students are given the opportunity to make treasured memories as they participate in daily congregational Salah, weekly Jumu’ah prayers, hear the Adhan, celebrate Eid and mark important events in the Islamic calendar such as Ramadan and Hajj. In RE, children learn about all the major faiths, enriched with guest speakers, collaborative projects, celebrations and activities.

Are children taught to read Arabic and the Quran?

Arabic was introduced for all students from 2019, as it will be one of the most vital languages in the UK over the coming years. Children wishing to develop their skills further, for example, in Qur’anic recitation, are supported through extra-curricular clubs and activities.

Will children have opportunities to meet and learn with and about children of other faiths?

Children have the opportunity to learn about all faiths, British history and a variety of cultures whilst developing confidence and pride in their own faith. BHA will provide enriching experiences through links with local schools and community organisations, encouraging children to engage in sport, academic and other interschool and interfaith activities.