About Us

Children were asked to arrive at 10am and be picked at 1pm. A set of Islamic Studies text books were introduced to provide ‘consistent learning’ to all children. The very first set of books were introduced by Sr Zahida and Br Iqbal and following advice from Br Farid the curriculum was implemented. As more families joined, further structure was introduced and the very first head teacher of the school, sister Zoya Samad took on the much-required administrative role in 2006. The volunteer staff were assigned responsibility of certain subjects playing to their strengths and by 2007; the headteacher had set up a school calendar, staff rota and end of year exams. With the increase in student numbers and the varying ages of students the needs of the school were out-growing the port-a-cabin. The older boys were moved to the library and were taught by Br Farid, Br Iqbal and Br Salem (currently Senior Boys teacher at AR School). Student numbers steadily increased and it became necessary for the volunteers to look for alternative facilities to run the classes. A governing body was set up to support the volunteers in managing the growth and progress of the school. Fees were introduced to cover costs of hiring a premises and a bank account was opened. It was at this time that the school website was set up. The website was designed by a volunteer and to this day is hosted, without charge, by a member of the community. In 2010 the venue of the school moved to a primary school in Bagshot. This was a very busy time for the head teacher and the staff. Admission forms, new procedures and processes were implemented for e.g., fire drills, first aid training, newsletters, DBS checks etc. Sr Zoya notes that despite the challenges, she enjoyed setting up the processes and structure that set the foundations of the school and always had support from staff, parents and the wider community. In 2011 the head teacher also arranged the school’s very first ‘school trip’ to Regents Mosque London. Since then an out of school learning activity is planned for students every year. In 2012 Sr Hina Ashraf became head teacher at Al Rayyan and introduced Salah to the school’s timetable. Sr Hina also set up and implemented the school’s first Child Protection, Behaviour and HOW WE GOT HERE Page 4 Health & Safety policies. It was during this time that the school syllabus was updated and job roles within the school were formalised. Alongside all the head teacher activities the governing body finalised the school’s constitution and the school was registered as a charity. Today, our head teacher Dr Humaira Ahmed has effectively established the school policies and procedures and has promoted the school’s standing in the community. Under her guidance the school has grown with new classes for senior girls and boys and an additional class to support progress of our younger students. Sr Humaira also ensures the staff undergo annual training and has established good working relationships with all the school’s stakeholders. Al Rayyan School has 95 + students and 18 volunteering staff. It has established strong links with external partners; Surrey Ethnic Minority Forum, Surrey Heath Inter faith Group, Surrey Heath Muslim Association, United Muslimah Group and others. The school regularly supports local charities and invites members of the wider community at an annual picnic event. Sr Zahida, (deputy head teacher of the school) was the very first sister who with herfriend started meeting up at Camberley masjid in 2002. She notes that over the years, Muslim brothers and sisters from all backgrounds were able to get together and work together, unified by their common goal to provide a safe environment of learning for their children. Sr Zahida also believes that the English language, common among us all has enabled us to work together as a community and build friendships and understanding.