Leadership Team
| Alim Shaikh | Executive Headteacher | I joined the school in Autumn 2017 under its previous guise, as a community school, and led the transition to reestablish the school under its current banner as Barnet Hill Academy. Alongside my present role as Executive Headteacher, I continue providing support and sharing my expertise with schools both locally and internationally. Currently, I am also the serving Executive Headteacher of another newly opened Islamic faith school in West London and am further engaged on a master planning project for an ambitious educational community initiative in Nigeria. Whilst, more locally, my key focus remains supporting Barnet Hill Academy through an extensive school transformation programme with a sharper focus on raising standards and levels of attainment for all of our wonderful students at the Academy, in addition to my substantive role as Headteacher of an Islamic state funded school in a neighbouring borough. |
| Shuayb Patel | Headteacher | I graduated from one of the oldest Islamic seminaries in the UK; the Institute of Islamic Education, where I studied Islamic sciences. I've been the Imām at Hendon Mosque & Islamic Centre since January 2009. I am committed to helping our community thrive, and I have attained various qualifications such as Counselling, Mental Health and Safeguarding Certificates to further support the community. In addition, I have also acquired the title of CEOP Ambassador. At BHA I helped lay the foundations of a reflective pastoral structure, where pupils are encouraged to reflect on character and take responsibility for their actions and I continue to lead on this in my capacity as Headteacher. I completed my National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders (NPQSL) in 2022. |
| Moni Choudhury | Assistant Headteacher - EYFS & KS1 Pastoral | My Level 5 Early Years qualification and extensive experience over seven years as an EY Practitioner have significantly enhanced my ability to positively influence the learning environment. Working closely with young children has deepened my understanding of their needs and enabled me to make meaningful contributions to their educational experiences. |
| Uzma Qureshi | Assistant Headteacher - Curriculum & KS2 Pastoral | After completing a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from King’s College London, I pursued a PGCE in Secondary Science at the Institute of Education, London. I began my teaching career at an Islamic school in London, serving as the Year 5 class teacher. For 7 years, I had the privilege of working at Barnet Hill Academy (BHA), where I took on multiple roles, including class teacher in KS1 and KS2, Enrichment Coordinator, and subject leads for various subjects. During this time, I also completed my NPQ in Leading Teaching. Seeking further professional growth, I transitioned to a one-form entry state school in West London as a KS2 class teacher and a lead in two subject areas. Now, I have returned to BHA as Assistant Head Teacher and KS2 Pastoral Lead while undertaking my NPQ in Senior Leadership. Having had children in the school myself, I am passionate about using my experience to enhance the curriculum and foster a love for learning. My goal is to create a nurturing environment where our children can excel while embracing their Muslim identity, so they can contribute meaningfully to society. |
EYFS/Nursery Practitioners
| Name | Role | About Me |
|---|---|---|
| Ms Lamia | Early Years Practitioner | I am qualified as a Level 4 Early Years practitioner. My 8 years of experience in this Nursery settings helps to grow and develop my passion and dedication to inspire and enthuse young children. My energy, resourcefulness, responsibility, patience and a caring nature are the important traits of my character embedded in children's learning so they grow as young people and are ready to go on with the next steps in their learning journeys. |
Ms Mariya | Early Years Practitioner | I have experience of working in a variety of educational settings, including Early Years and KS1. Helping children realise their potential at this early stage is my passion. I do my utmost to support children with their educational and social development taking into account the needs of each child. I endeavour to provide a fun and caring environment for children to explore and learn in a safe and secure way. |
Ms Maariya | Nursery Teacher | I have a PGCE in specialising in Early years. I have spent many years teaching in a variety of early years settings here in the UK and abroad. I am passionate about early years education and that children learn best in an environment where they are nurtured and feel safe to be themselves. |
Ms Fardus | EYFS Support | I am currently an Islamic studies teacher at BHA. Over the last 12 years, I’ve taught a range of age groups from adults to children in Islamic Studies, Quran and Tajweed, which has given me a lot of experience working in different environments. I have also worked alongside this as a Mualima at Hendon Madarassah for over a decade. In addition, I have also been working as an Early Years practitioner at Barnet Hill's Nursery alongside upholding my position as a Key Stage 1 Islamic Studies teacher. |
Primary Teachers
| Ms Salima | Reception Teacher | I am presently undertaking my ECT at Barnet Hill Academy. I have a BA (Hons) in Education and qualified at BHA with my QTS as and Early Years Teacher and have been working with children and young people for over 20 years. During this time, I have learned that every child is unique and has an individual character. Working with children is my passion and it gives me great satisfaction. |
Ms Hamda | Year 1 Teacher | After gaining my BSc in Biomedical Science, I went on to gain a Cambridge Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA), being awarded ‘Above Standard’. I went on to teach in a range of educational settings, and then subsequently completed my PGCE in an AET school with Ark Teacher Training. Following the wonderful experience I had teaching in a state school, I feel blessed to be able to join the BHA family and give back to my community. |
Ms Amna | Year 2 Teacher | I have undertaken many teacher training opportunities including an Award in Teaching and Education. Working with children is my passion and it gives me great satisfaction. Along with teaching, my passion is doing creative work with children, and I lead on Art Week and the annual Master Chef Cooking Competition at the Academy. |
Ms Yasmeen | Year 2 and 3 Teacher | I have successfully attained level 4 HLTA qualification whilst working in school. It has enabled me to improve my skills in teaching classes unsupervised in key stage 1 and 2. In completing this course, it has been rewarding as I have been able to constructively apply my skills and understanding in strengthening my level of expertise. Additionally, I support the class teacher by giving tracked spelling assessments and providing lesson plans to aid in the development and well-being of the children. |
Ms Farida | Year 3 Teacher and Sendco | I am a fully qualified teacher with 9 years of experience in Education, mainly covering years 3, 4 and 5. As I embarked on my career in Education, I delved into many aspects of school life, from previously Chair of PTA to Leading Science across school. This enriched my experience, skill set and knowledge. I am passionate about positively motivating our children to reach their full potential in the classroom, as well as in life. Our beautiful deen Islam teaches us to do our best with excellence and, InshaAllah, I aim to always incorporate this in my teaching. This is my first year at BHA and I am looking forward to learning and growing with my classroom and providing a welcoming and nurturing environment. |
Ms Aniqa | Year 4 Teacher | I completed my BA in Education Studies at Middlesex University, followed by a PGCE in Primary Education. During this time, I gained valuable experience through various placements, where I implemented a range of strategies to meet the diverse needs of students. I am now privileged to serve as the Year 4 teacher while embarking on my Early Career Teacher (ECT) years at this school. I am deeply passionate about working with children, and my greatest fulfillment comes from supporting their growth and witnessing their achievements. My primary goal is to nurture their development, providing them with the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed both academically and personally. Being a part of their journey and contributing to their success is what drives my dedication to education. Nevertheless, my commitment is to provide an inclusive, high-quality education, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive and contribute to the future generation. |
Ms Hibah | Year 5 Teacher | After completing a BSc in Psychology and a PGCE in Primary Education, I attained Qualified Teacher Status. I am currently completing my Early Career Teacher (ECT) training at Barnet Hill Academy. My diverse experiences across various school environments have underscored the uniqueness of each child and the need to make a meaningful, positive impact on their learning. These experiences have deepened my understanding of child development and enhanced my ability to identify and address students' needs effectively. My passion for working with children drives my commitment to support their growth and celebrate their successes. |
Ms Bushra | Year 6 Teacher | Following my BA in psychology, I pursued a PGCE at Brunel University. With my experience as a subject lead and KS2 teacher as well as my passion for learning and teaching, I will be able to make a significant contribution to my class. As a Maths Lead, I will create an environment that promotes high expectations and inclusion. Offering students, the opportunity to become familiar with Maths Talk, and to use pictorial and abstract evidence to develop a reasoning process. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to fulfil my desire to make a real and enduring difference to the lives of individual children and the community. |
Teaching Assistants & Higher Level Teaching Assistants
| Ms Rawshan | Teaching Assistant | I attained a CACHE L3 Diploma for children and young people, I also successfully completed a Level 3 Teaching Assistant course. Whilst working in school's I gained crucial knowledge on child development allowing me to obtain a unique ability of seeing where students required support. In addition, I have a degree in Law which I studied in Arabic and consequently, I mastered the Arabic Language and Literature at degree level. |
Ms Rehana | Teaching Assistant | I am a qualified Early Years Level 2 Practitioner with over 12 years experience in various settings, and I enjoy working with children in both the Early Years and school age children especially in the Arts and Crafts and I lead many of the Cooking classes for our younger children and enjoy seeing them develop and grow. |
Ms Asiya | Teaching Assistant | I am a newly qualified practitioner in Early Years and have gained experience while doing an apprenticeship. I joined BHA in order to gain fresh experience as a teaching assistant. I enjoy witnessing children grow and succeed, and I work hard to make sure children get all the assistance and tools they require to reach their full potential. As a kind, considerate, and welcoming professional, I make it a priority to give every child a secure and supportive atmosphere. I'm delighted to part of the team at Barnet Hill Academy and expand my knowledge and experience. |
Ms Abla | Teaching Assistant | I attained a CACHE Level 2 certificate in supporting teaching and learning in school (QCF) in 2014. I worked as an MTS and one-to-one assistant supporting SEN children at a local Primary school for 8 years. I gained crucial knowledge on child-development to provide additional assistance to pupils who require extra support to keep up with their peers. For the last 2 years I have worked as a nursery practitioner at a day care nursery. I was providing a high standard of physical emotional social and intellectual care for children. To further my desire for success and development I joined Barnet Hill Academy, and I am undertaking the Level 3 qualification in Early Years. |
Islamic Studies Teachers
| Name | Role | About Me |
|---|---|---|
| Ms Rawshan | Arabic Teacher | I'm a passionate Arabic teacher with a law degree and extensive experience in Arabic studies. I like to teach Arabic in a creative and inspiring way, customizing each lesson to the individual student. I aim to make Arabic learning informative, enjoyable, and confidence-boosting, while also sharing the beauty of the language and its rich culture. |
Ms Fardus | Years 1-2 Teacher | I am currently an Islamic studies teacher at BHS. Over the last 12 years, I’ve taught a range of age groups from adults to children in Islamic Studies, Quran and Tajweed, which has given me a lot of experience working in different environments. I have also worked alongside this as a Mualima at Hendon Madarassah for over a decade. I am very passionate about teaching and hope to be included amongst those described by our beloved Prophet S.A.W : “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.”Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. Overall, I would say I enjoy working with children as it is very rewarding for me to see them learn and grow. |
| Ms Susan | Years 3-4 Teacher | As a native Arabic speaker, attending Islamic studies lessons from childhood in Damascus ignited a keen interest to learn the Sirah and memorise Qur’an with Tajweed. When I moved to Saudi Arabia my Islamic education was strengthened and I represented my preparatory school in a Qur’an competition. I moved back to Syria where I attained my BA in English Language and Literature. As well as teaching English and Islamic studies privately and in supplementary schools, I have work experience in the banking and media sectors. I have also been teaching Qur’an and Islamic Studies at Hendon Madrasah since 2018. |
| Ms Safarya | Years 5-6 Teacher | I studied Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Quran at Ayesha Community School, under the guidance of exceptional teachers who greatly influenced my character and inspired me to pursue a career as a teacher in Islamic Studies and Quran. Additionally, I obtained a diploma in Taleem-Al-Quran from Al Huda Institute. My teaching experience spans between children aged 6-16. I gained it by teaching at the Islamic Association of North London, where I am currently the senior girls' teacher and online lead for digital development. |
Mr Abdesselam | Nasheed Teacher | I have dedicated the last 16 years to teaching Nasheed (music), driven by a passion for nurturing young minds and emphasising Muslim identity in education. My love for Nasheed (music) has played a significant role in my journey, inspiring me to blend classical Arabic and Western styles to create a unique and enriching experience for my students, As a recording artist, I have had the privilege of performing at esteemed venues such as the Barbican and collaborating with renowned artists, including Yusuf Islam and Sami Yusuf. In my role as choir master, my choirs have showcased their talents at high-profile events, including Eid in the Square and Downing Street. I am deeply committed to helping children thrive through Nasheed, culture and community. |