About us

A school built on love of learning

Welcome to the An-Nisa Society's Supplementary Muslim School.

School brochure 2026–27

PDF · Updated August 2026

Since its establishment in 1986, the Supplementary Muslim School (SMS) has provided high-quality Islamic education within a welcoming, nurturing and inclusive environment.

Established under the umbrella of the An-Nisa Society, the school has supported generations of children and their families, many of whom now return with their own children or as teachers and volunteers within the school. This continuity reflects the lasting sense of community and belonging that has grown over almost four decades.

For many families, SMS is much more than a Sunday school. It is a place where children learn about their faith, build friendships, ask questions, discover their strengths and develop memories that remain with them long after they leave. We are privileged to share this important stage of their journey alongside parents and carers.

We recognise that a child's first and most important teachers are their family. Learning begins in the home through love, conversation, observation and everyday experiences. The role of the SMS is to complement and enrich that learning, working in partnership with parents to help children grow in knowledge, confidence, character and faith.

SMS is a place where children learn faith, build friendships, ask questions, discover strengths, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Our story

The Supplementary Muslim School (SMS) was established in 1986 in response to the aspirations of Muslim parents who wanted their children to develop a strong understanding of Islam alongside their mainstream education. As British Muslim communities were beginning to establish themselves within an evolving social and cultural landscape, families recognised the importance of providing an Islamic education that would enable children to understand, practise and live their faith with confidence as British Muslims.

From these modest beginnings, SMS has grown into a well-established supplementary school that has served generations of children from a wide range of backgrounds.

While the community around us has changed considerably over the past four decades, our purpose has remained constant: to provide an education that nurtures faith, inspires learning and supports the holistic development of every child.

Throughout its history, SMS has sought to strengthen families, contribute positively to the wider community and respond thoughtfully to the changing needs of British Muslims, while remaining firmly rooted in the timeless teachings and values of Islam.

Ultimately, our success is measured not simply by what our pupils know when they leave SMS, but by the character they develop, the values they embody and the positive contribution they go on to make within their families, communities and wider society.

A teacher guiding a small group of children

Our values

Home-school-home

We are whole-heartedly committed to giving your child the best education we can. What your child/ren learn at the SMS can only be of benefit if it is part of your on-going efforts to develop their Islamic knowledge and experiences at home. At the SMS we believe when we work collaboratively with parents we get inspired and confident children who see their faith as central to their everyday lives.

Building communities

We pride ourselves that after leaving the SMS many of our children maintain an active interest in pursuing their Islamic knowledge whether in full or part time education. Many of our children and families make life-long friends and continue to contribute to the school after they have left. We are particularly pleased that we have teachers at the SMS who were themselves students at the school or who are now sending their own children to us.

Friendly atmosphere

Outside of the classroom children will make friends and will be in an environment where they see men and women, young and old working together within a happy Islamically motivated atmosphere. They will also see that their families are actively encouraged to get involved in all aspects of the school life especially in providing fun activities during religious occasions, fundraising and other events.

A Muslim child is a happy child

At the SMS we want your child to feel that their learning is part of a lived experience and that their Islamic education is not separate from their everyday lives. Happy children are always keen to learn.

Who's who

Who's who at the SMS

Teacher portrait

Humera Khan

School Co-ordinator & An-Nisa Society Trustee

Runs the school day to day and is the first point of contact for families.

Teacher portrait

Aisha Khan

Principal & Curriculum Co-ordinator

Leads teaching and learning, and shapes the curriculum across the school.

Teacher portrait

Shaykh Faid

Spiritual Advisor

Guides the school's spiritual life alongside Shaykha Halima Krausen.

Teacher portrait

Shaykha Halima Krausen

Spiritual Advisor

Guides the school's spiritual life alongside Shaykh Faid.

Finance: Fozia Derisy, Wardah Shah, Ilyeh Nahdi
Volunteers Co-ordinator: Amina Jaffer
DBS Co-ordinator: Zobia Saeed
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Advisor: Ilyeh Nahdi, Sara Mahir
External events: Radhiyyah Phillips, Laila Shariff, Aziza Phillips
Health & Nutrition: Salma Mehar
IT & Database Administrators: Ilyeh Nahdi, Omar Albadry, Numair Shahpur, Shamailla Jawaid

Teachers are listed with their classes in the parent handbook, which goes to every family at the start of the year.

Who stands behind us

The An-Nisa Society

The SMS runs under the umbrella of An-Nisa Society, a registered charity (no. 1117840) working for the welfare of Muslim families — particularly women, children and young people.

The SMS was the society's first major project, set up in 1986 as a response to the need for a more contemporary and relevant Islamic education for young British Muslims. The society's wider work is the soil this school grows in, and the same values run through both: dignity, service and raḥmah.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding & wellbeing

SMS is committed to providing a safe, caring and inclusive environment where every child feels respected, valued and confident. Safety and wellbeing are a shared responsibility between families and the school — working together, we can help every child learn, develop and thrive.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to promoting the welfare of every child and protecting them from harm, abuse, neglect and bullying. All members of staff and volunteers receive safeguarding guidance and understand their responsibility to act promptly and appropriately if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. Our procedures are regularly reviewed to reflect current legislation and good practice.

All teachers and volunteers working directly with children are required to hold an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, either through the SMS or their current employer where appropriate.

We take reasonable steps to ensure our learning environment is safe and well managed: risk assessments are carried out where appropriate, accidents are recorded and reviewed, and all staff and volunteers share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment for children, families and visitors.

We encourage children to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully — understanding the importance of staying safe online, protecting their personal information, and using digital technology in ways that reflect Islamic values and good character.

Data protection & privacy

The SMS is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all pupils, parents, carers, volunteers and staff. We collect and process personal data only where it is necessary for the safe and effective running of the school, and in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Information provided to the school is used only for the purposes for which it was collected, and is not shared with third parties without consent unless we are legally required to do so, or where there is a safeguarding concern.

Our policies

The SMS maintains comprehensive policies to support the safe and effective operation of the school. Copies of all school policies are available on request.

Safeguarding & Child Protection
Health & Safety
Behaviour
e-Safety
Data Protection
Complaints Procedure
Equality & Inclusion