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Choosing the right school for your daughter is an important decision, particularly when seeking an education that reflects your Islamic values. These frequently asked questions offer a glimpse into life at Rochdale Islamic Academy Girls, where academic excellence goes hand in hand with Tarbiyyah in a safe and nurturing Islamic environment.
1. What subjects are taught at RIAG?
Starting from Year 7, students will engage in a comprehensive curriculum, with subjects organised into a structured timetable. We offer a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that combines academic excellence with Islamic values. Students study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, Urdu, Computing, Art, PE and PSHCE, alongside dedicated reading lessons at KS3. At KS4, students also study Business Studies or Health & Social Care.
2. How does RIAG support academic excellence and prepare students for GCSEs?
Our carefully sequenced curriculum builds strong foundations from Year 7, with GCSE preparation becoming increasingly focused as students progress. Regular assessments, feedback, homework and targeted interventions help teachers identify gaps and provide appropriate challenge. We use baseline assessments to understand starting points, never to place a ceiling on achievement.
3. How can parents stay informed about their child’s progress?
We value strong partnerships with parents. ClassDojo and our school WhatsApp provide accessible ways to communicate with teachers and ask any questions. Progress reports and parent-teacher meetings offer further opportunities to discuss achievement and development. We plan to introduce additional parent-teacher meetings from September 2027.
4. How does RIAG support students with additional learning needs?
Our teachers identify learning difficulties early, adapt their teaching and provide targeted interventions. Students with SEND receive support tailored to their individual needs while maintaining ambitious academic expectations. We work closely with parents to help every student make meaningful progress.
5. How does RIAG encourage reading?
Years 7-9 have a dedicated weekly reading lesson, while Years 10-11 have reading during form. We encourage reading for pleasure alongside textual analysis, discussion & exposure to different perspectives. Reading and subject-specific vocabulary are also developed across the curriculum in all year groups.
6. How are Islamic values incorporated into the school day?
Islamic values underpin our curriculum, relationships and daily routines. Lessons begin and end with Du‘a; students perform congregational Salah; and weekly Qur’an recitation includes Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays. Our aim is to help students develop a genuine love for their Deen and put their knowledge into practice.
7. What is Tarbiyyah Pathway?
Tarbiyyah Pathway runs daily throughout all five years and is designed by our qualified Alimahs. It explores Aqeedah, Fiqh, Hadith, Tafseer and personal development, alongside contemporary issues such as social media, peer pressure and wellbeing. Daily assemblies include Islamic reminders, Hadith of the Week and student-led presentations.
Academic Excellence | Tarbiyyah in the Light of Qur’an & Sunnah | A Safe & Nurturing Environment
8. What if my daughter feels nervous about starting a new school?
We want every student to feel welcomed and part of the RIAG family. Dedicated form tutors, induction activities and opportunities to build friendships help new students settle in. Our pastoral team works closely with students and parents whenever additional support is needed.
9. How does RIAG support student wellbeing and safeguarding?
Our students’ safety, happiness and wellbeing are central to school life. Teachers are trained to recognise changes in behaviour and identify concerns early. Our dedicated Wellbeing Team offers one-to-one support, while our whole-school safeguarding approach ensures students feel safe, heard and comfortable seeking help.
10. How is behaviour managed at RIAG?
Behaviour at RIAG is exceptional, reflecting the strong Islamic values and culture of respect nurtured throughout our school. Rooted in Tarbiyyah, our approach combines compassion, guidance and high expectations. We celebrate exemplary conduct through our rewards system, encouraging students to demonstrate excellent character and become positive role models. Where expectations are not met, we provide guidance, work closely with parents and apply appropriate consequences in line with our behaviour policy, ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment for all.
11. What does a typical school day look like?
School runs from 8:20am to 3:35pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with a 12:35pm finish on Wednesdays. The day includes 15 minutes of form time, a 30-minute Tarbiyyah assembly, 55-minute lessons, a 10-minute morning break, a 30-minute lunch and 15 minutes for Zuhr Salah. Provision for Asr is added during winter. Attendance and punctuality are taken very seriously at RIAG. We expect students to arrive on time, ready to learn and make the most of every opportunity.
12. What are the lunch and break-time arrangements?
Our school chef prepares fresh, hot meals served in our dedicated dining room. Our two-week alternating menu features student favourites, including our ever popular chicken biryani! Lunch costs £12 per week or students may bring a packed lunch. Our tuck shop serves hot toast and drinks during morning break. No lunch is served on Wednesdays.
Academic Excellence | Tarbiyyah in the Light of Qur’an & Sunnah | A Safe & Nurturing Environment
13. What enrichment and extracurricular opportunities are available?
Our four houses: House of Khadijah, Maryam, Asiya and Faatimah are named after the four best women of Jannah and inspiring role models for our students. Each is led by an elected Head Girl and includes students from different year groups. Houses compete in debates, quizzes, sports, nasheed performances, fundraising, business stalls and themed challenges such as Culture Day. Points are earned towards our annual House of the Year award. Students can also develop their leadership skills through roles as School Councillors and Prefects.
14. What school events and trips does RIAG offer?
Our annual calendar includes Hajj Day, the Trashion Show, Sports Day and our Awards Assembly. Students also enjoy Coloured Abaya and Free Toast Day on the last Friday of every month. Educational visits, theatre trips, end-of-year theme park outings and residentials enrich learning, alongside international opportunities such as our Year 11 trip to Turkiye in summer 2026.
15. What makes our teachers and staff culture special at RIAG?
We are proud of our dedicated subject-specialist teachers and the supportive culture they have built. Their teamwork, mutual respect and Islamic character make them inspiring role models for our students. Our Wednesday half-day is dedicated to weekly staff training and briefings, allowing teachers to share expertise, review student needs and continually improve teaching and pastoral care.
16. What are the school fees at RIAG?
Annual tuition fees are £4,560, payable in 10 monthly instalments of £456 from September to June on the first of every month. Fees remain fixed throughout the academic year, reflecting our commitment to fairness and transparency. Any changes for the following year are communicated to parents well in advance.
“My friends and everyone pushed me to become a Prefect. I was told I could do it. I had to write a letter and it was accepted”
17. What is the uniform policy at RIAG?
Our uniform reflects the Islamic values of modesty and simplicity. Students wear a plain black abaya and hijab, our school blazer and plain black footwear. We encourage pride in presentation and a genuine love for Hijab. Full requirements and purchasing information are available in our Uniform Guide.
18. What is RIAG’s latest Ofsted inspection outcome?
At our April 2026 Ofsted inspection, RIAG met all Quality of Education standards. Inspectors found our curriculum to be carefully designed, teaching well supported, assessment effective and students well prepared for the next stage of their education. Our safeguarding standards also continue to be met.
With our new Headteacher and strengthened leadership team, our next monitoring inspection will focus on demonstrating the sustainability of these standards over time as our new leadership structure continues to embed.
19. How has RIAG’s new leadership strengthened the school?
Under the leadership of our Headteacher, Dr Ashraf, supported by all our staff, teachers, governors and trustees, RIAG has established a clear direction for the continued success of the school for our local community. Our renewed focus on academic excellence, effective teaching, student wellbeing and parent partnerships is supported by a positive staff culture rooted in teamwork and Islamic values. We are committed to building on our progress and ensuring every student excels in Islam and achieves academic success insha’Allah.
20. How well do RIAG students perform in their GCSEs?
We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements, with RIAG ranked among Rochdale’s top three performing schools. Our 2026 results included an overall pass rate of 90.4%, with 39.5% achieving grades 7-9. We remain committed to helping every girl progress from her individual starting point and achieve her full potential, inshaAllah.
More than just answers.
It’s the first step towards discovering a place where your daughter can grow in Deen, achieve academic success and prepare for a future guided by Islamic values, inshaAllah.
More than just a school.
“Inspiring the next generation of believing women to excel in Islam and achieve academic success”
