Introduction
The Association of Muslim Schools UK (AMS UK) was established in 1992 to coordinate the work of Muslim schools and share best practice in advancing the education of Muslim children in the United Kingdom (UK).
AMS UK acts as an umbrella body for registered Muslim schools in the UK, currently numbering 156 (2013), the vast majority of which are affiliated to it as members. A Muslim school is defined by having Islam as its religious designation (or character) which underpins its educational provision in terms of values and ethos.
AMS is officially recognized by the Department for Education (DfE) as representing the interests of Muslim schools and in providing support for its members to flourish in order that they make a tangible contribution to the lives and well-being of children and young people in the UK. Our members strive to ensure that they work with and serve children and families from faith and non-faith backgrounds through direct education provision, charitable activities and joint initiatives with other service providers. The membership portfolio of AMS UK, across the independent, voluntary aided and Free School spectrum includes:
- primary schools
- secondary schools (girls and boys)
- residential boarding schools, some of which cater for post-16 provision that specialise in advanced Islamic study programmes.
The curriculum provision, across our members, combines teachings of Islam alongside teaching of the National Curriculum subject areas within a faith-based context. Regulatory compliance and the quality of education in Muslim schools is monitored and evaluated through school inspections commissioned by the Department for Education, and carried out by either Of sted or the Bridge Schools Inspectorate.
AMS UK is a member-led organisation and as such its leadership is democratically elected by its members. The members can participate in and contribute to the work of AMS UK by being elected onto the Executive Committee, which elects the office bearers, chairman, vice chairman and the treasurer.