Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wo barakatuhu.
The Islamic School in Gillingham Masjid is changing.
Why is it changing?
We have been aiming to improve the quality of the school for many years and introduce a more structured curriculum with Tarbiyah.
The modern-day regulations required that the administration improved significantly.
An opportunity arose to create a new school satisfying the above criteria by restructuring and bringing in Dar ul Ilm to manage the school with their own approach to teaching.
We were impressed with their success and the enthusiasm of children who attended the school and parents who have seen the positive effects it has had on their children.
What is happening to the existing school?
This will close in its current form.
What will happen to my children who currently attend Gillingham Masjid school?
There will be an interim period where they will be invited to register for the new school.
There is limited availability, and so if there are more applications than available places, a small wait time may be necessary. Therefore, we encourage interested children / parents to apply ASAP.
We will have to assess demand for further intakes after the initial one.
What will be the days and times?
The school will run on Saturday and Sunday from 9.45am- 1pm.
What can I do if my child only attends on weekdays?
This only affects a very small number of children, but alternatives will be offered.
What is the cost, and why are they changing?
The cost will be £50 / month for 1 child and £45/ month per child if two children and £40/ month per child if 3 or more children.
We understand that the cost is significantly higher than it has been. However, this reflects the costs of running a more comprehensive school, with a much higher teacher: student ratio, and so your children will receive more attention. The children will also receive a broader Islamic education, and the weekend hours are increasing. It will be possible to monitor the progress of the children more effectively, and children will take exams to help them consolidate their knowledge. Feedback and communication with parents will improve.
When will this take effect?
Initially, from the date of posting of the link, there will be a period of 3 – 4 weeks for the first phase of registration.
There will be meetings with the prospective parents and children during this period to speak in detail about how the school will run, the timings, and the syllabus.
We thank everyone for their understanding, and we ask Allah subhana wa ta’ala for success in this venture for the benefit of the children and the community.