Academy Primary school to shut after ‘financial difficulties’
BRISTOL’S only Islamic faith school has announced the imminent closure of its primary school.
Andalusia Academy Bristol (AAB), in St Philip’s, will close its lower school at the end of the term on December 16.
The school, established by Bristol Islamic Schools Trust, has been offering full-time education since 2005. However, in recent years it has experienced ‘financial difficulties’ with trustees evaluating the school’s future on a number of occasions.
The Department for Education had previously warned that the school could face closure if standards did not improve. It was rated ‘inadequate’ for the third time last year due to a ‘significant decline in standards.’
AAB said in a statement: “The school has ensured that pupils have achieved very good GCSE and SATs results over the years with many pupils going on to undergraduate and postgraduate study, achieving success in a range of disciplines including medicine, dentistry, law, mathematics, politics and social work. In recent years the school has experienced financial difficulties with trustees evaluating the school’s future on a number of occasions. Regrettably, on November 6, trustees took the decision to close the primary school at the end of term on December 16.
“The trustees would like to thank the community of Bristol, and those beyond, past and present, who have supported the school over the years and wish our parents, staff and pupils every success in the future.”
Andalusia Academy teaches children aged between five and 16, but its secondary provision has been girls-only since 2017.
Founded as an independent school in 2005, it charges annual fees of £3,500 to £4,000.