Al Furqan Academy is deeply committed to enriching lives and shaping futures through a comprehensive curriculum designed to nurture and inspire young minds. From Noorania to Quranic studies, Arabic, and Islamic Studies, we provide a holistic learning experience for students aged 5 through to college level. With over 700 students and 50 dedicated staff members, Al Furqan Academy stands as a beacon of light in our community, fostering a supportive and enriching environment.

Our students receive essential Islamic knowledge that equips them to thrive as confident Muslims in the UK. We teach not only religious fundamentals but also the leadership qualities needed to excel in their schools and communities. A significant achievement of our madrassah is producing huffadh of the Quran, many of whom return to teach future generations, thus creating a cycle of knowledge and mentorship.

Al Furqan Academy offers a comprehensive Teaching Assistant program designed for individuals aspiring to become future Ma’alims and Ma’alimahs. This eight-week training equips them with the essential skills needed to excel in the classroom. All staff members undergo DBS checks and participate in annual training sessions covering vital areas such as safeguarding, behaviour management, and leadership. Many of our current teachers and teaching assistants are former students of the madrassah, now working alongside the very mentors who once guided and nurtured them.

The Islamic Studies program at Al Furqan Academy is both comprehensive and engaging. Students delve into subjects such as the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), hadith, aqeedah, tafsir, and fiqh, all structured within a well-organised curriculum. Our teachers go beyond formal instruction, serving as role models who inspire a deep love for Islam through their character and interactions.

Our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) project extends our support to the broader community by offering four weeks of summer activities to 100 children who receive free school meals, along with one week each during the Easter and Christmas holidays. In addition to providing nutritious meals, we offer a range of fun and educational activities, from sports and arts to character-building exercises like debates and presentations. We also organize local excursions, ensuring the children enjoy varied and engaging experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

To further our community engagement, we host weekly bake sales run by students to raise funds for charitable causes. We also offer exciting trips, such as hikes in the Peak District, ice skating, and stadium visits, providing memorable and enriching experiences for our students.

Additionally, every Friday and Saturday, we run a youth night for boys in the madrassah and the wider community. This initiative offers a safe, warm space where around 70–80 boys gather to play like table tennis and PS5, enjoy a meal together, and participate in sports at a nearby centre.

Lastly, Al Furqan Academy offers affordable GCSE tuition for students and community members, covering essential subjects such as maths, English, and science, ensuring academic support alongside their Islamic education.

Provide information on the impact these activities have had on individuals or the community at large

 

Many of our students come from low-income families, often facing deprivation and marginalisation, with few positive role models in their life. At Al Furqan Academy, our teachers fill this crucial gap, becoming trusted mentors whom students turn to for advice, support, and encouragement. The bonds formed in the classroom go beyond academic learning, as students eagerly attend their lessons, motivated by the guidance they receive. Our teaching profoundly impacts their lives, inspiring them to aim higher, pursue their aspirations, and emerge as confident leaders within their communities.

Through the madrassah and youth services, students find a deep sense of belonging that is often absent elsewhere in their lives. They feel valued, loved, and cared for, knowing that when they are absent, their well-being matters to the staff. The madrassah offers a safe, nurturing space where children, many from broken homes or facing negative influences, can find peace and refuge. It is a place where they not only learn about the deen of Allah but also feel a genuine sense of contentment and joy. Our youth nights further enhance this experience by providing a warm meal and a welcoming environment for socialisation and fun, giving them something to look forward to each week.

Al Furqan Academy is not just transforming the lives of children but also uplifting the entire community. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of leaders—young Muslims who will make a positive and lasting impact in their communities. By offering them a safe alternative to the streets and guiding them away from antisocial behaviour, we are nurturing their spiritual and personal development within the masjid, where they can learn the Quran and strengthen their faith.

Our HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) program also plays a vital role, ensuring that over 100 students are fed and cared for during school holidays, easing the financial burdens on their families during this ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

By the grace of Allah, Al Furqan Academy has been a beacon of hope and transformation for over eight years, positively impacting individuals, families, and the wider community.