Testimonials
Testimonials
Sadiq Khan Mayor of London
I have witnessed the work of the Trust over the years, firstly in my role as a local Councilor in Tooting, then as the Member of Parliament for Tooting and during my time as the Chair of Governors of Gatton Primary School. I have seen first-hand the service to not only the local Muslim community, but to people from all walks of life. I would like to especially pay tribute to the multi-faith community fun days held in partnership with the Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA). London’s greatest strength is our diversity, we don’t just tolerate our differences we respect, embrace and celebrate them. Thank you to the Al-Risalah Trust for demonstrating these values and for your contribution to making London the greatest city in the world.
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan
As the local MP, I am immensely proud to have schools like Al-Risalah Secondary and Gatton Primary Schools so ingrained in our community, the work done by these schools in our area really reaches beyond the school walls. I’ve been proud to visit both schools regularly, most recently to launch the Daily Mile initiative, which encourages schools to get their pupils active by running one mile each day. This not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but can boost attainment in school. From helping out in the local community, raising funds for St George’s Hospital and the Balham and Tooting Community Association or taking part in the various peace events we hold - pupils and staff here really embrace the collective identity we have in Tooting which promotes equality and fairness.
Cathy Twist (Lambeth Council)
Lambeth Council’s Education Department has enjoyed a long and positive relationship with the Al-Risalah Education Trust which has meant that we have been able to work very closely with them to support and develop the Orchard Primary School which is located in Streatham, Lambeth. We are extremely proud that the Orchard Primary School is a highly performing Muslim primary school with excellent leadership, teaching and learning which has gone from strength to strength in recent years. We are working hard with the government to rebuild The Orchard Primary School as part of the Priority Schools Building Programme and are pleased that this process has now begun. The school and the Trust are integral members of the Lambeth Schools Partnership and take a wide range of roles within the local education community.
John Johnson - (Wandsworth Council)
I am writing on behalf of Wandsworth Council’s Children’s Services. As the Local Authority, our contact is of course primarily with Gatton Primary School, which has added a significant element to the diverse and high performing mix of schools in the borough. Under the Trust’s auspices, the school has provided an outstanding offer for its pupils and has worked hard to reach out to be an active part of the Wandsworth community of schools. This is evidenced, for example, in the school’s contribution to written guidance for other schools in the borough and its active participation in cross-borough events for teachers and governors.
Thalia Nettleton
It was during a work placement during my training that I met the wife of the first head of Balham prep, Kate. She suggested I apply for the job. We started with few children and Sister Maryam would help out in the nursery. It was difficult setting up a school from scratch but enjoyable at the same time. It was a small community and felt like a family.
What students say
“Al-Risalah was not just an educational experience, but a place for lifelong learning. I’ve taken the experiences with me wherever I have gone.”
“I am proud to say that I am the youngest Dean in the UK at SAE Institute. Al-Risalah gave me the foundation to give back to society and so as a BME leader I mentor others to improve the diversity and equality in higher education.”
“One of my most vivid memories is setting up a reading station at the back of our classroom in Year 6 and trying to complete all my classwork as quickly as possible so I could go and finish my book! The most important thing I’ve taken away is the sense of community and giving back which has stayed with me”
“I really enjoyed my time at Gatton and would advise anyone from reception to Year 6 to make the most of their time there. I would like to give a big thanks to my teachers who taught me in years 5 and 6 for preparing me well so I could get the best results in my SATS and become a successful and strong person in the future.”
“The family feeling and warmth of the teachers, who always gave the best to ensure a fantastic education was delivered to us all.”
“Our school Orchard is fabulous because we are treated like everyone is special, they give us challenges and we can get an experience of everything like the Bake Off and Art competition.”
“Our teachers took a real interest in our success in GCSE’s, pushing us to our limits when it really mattered but giving us the freedom to enjoy the education process.”
“The biggest lesson we learnt at School can be summed as ‘our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall’ and this applies in all situations.”
