AN Islamic girls' boarding school has been praised by inspectors, with student's behaviour described as "outstanding."

The Department for Education had requested Ofsted inspectors visit the Jaamiatul Imaam Muhammad Zakaria school in Clayton after they raised concerns over the school and its boarding provision.

However, the report that followed the subsequent inspection in May, published this week, raised no concerns about the school, finding it good in every category and giving it an overall good rating.

The DfE declined to comment on the concerns they had about the school that prompted the inspection, but told the T&A they were happy with the findings of the report.

Based in former hospital buildings on Thornton View Road, the school opened in 1992 and has almost 500 students aged between 11 and 21. Of these, 100 are in the school's sixth form provision.

Although it is an Islamic school, the inspectors said the school helped children learn about all aspects of British culture.

The report says: "Students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is strong. Leaders and staff are committed to ensuring that pupils are well prepared for living in British society. They effectively promote the values of democracy, tolerance and understanding of other beliefs and cultures.

"The behaviour of students is outstanding."

The report says the percentage of pupils achieving five A* to C GCSE grades in mathematics and science was "significantly above average" but that performance in English was not as high.

On the school's sixth form provision, the report adds: "Good teaching in both secular subjects and Islamic studies ensures that students are well prepared for the next stage of their education or employment. Many successfully become scholars and teachers or progress to higher education after graduation.

"Students have a strong affiliation with their school. They present as happy and very well settled. They see the school environment as an extension of their family."

It includes comments from students that inspectors spoke to during their three day inspection, which included: "We're one big family," "Jaamia Rox" and "I love Jaamia."

One of the criticisms of the report is that extra curricular opportunities for the girls were limited and "opportunities for all students to engage with and experience age-appropriate activities within the local community are sometimes missed.

"Consequently, some students know little about the wide range of activities available in and around Bradford."