About Qalam Academy
Qalam Academy is an innovative independent school delivering primary and secondary education based on the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence with Islamic Education. We welcome children from all faiths and offer quality education in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment.
Al-Qalam School was founded in October 2010 with only Primary 1 class in a semi-detached property at 159 Darnley Street in Pollokshields, Glasgow. Since its inception, the school has gone through several stages of development, increasing one class at a time each year, managing COVID disruption with swift arrangements (within 2 weeks) for online learning on zoom and thereafter moving to a larger premises at Ben Nevis Road, Paisley. The school has continued its principle of ensuring high standards of education overcoming any financial challenges which is evident from its managements investment and commitment towards the strategic development of the school.
Vision
Qalam Academy has the vision to be synonymous with educational excellence at all stages within a safe and secure Islamic environment.
Mission
Our mission is to deliver high standard of education across all stages, through innovative methods applied to curriculum frameworks with guidance from the teachings of the Qur'an and Prophetic traditions.
Ethos
Our parents, staff and pupils' bond with the sole ethos of respect and understanding of other citizens. Our school ethos centres around valuing humanity and other creations of Almighty Allah (The Beneficent The Merciful), exploring the world of possibilities, building a better future and striving to contribute towards a prosperous society with qualities of perseverance, kindness, inclusion, cooperation, respect and compassion.
Values
Our core values are based on being honest, respectable, ambitious, resilient, kind, faithful and becoming a responsible person who is trustworthy.
Aims
To provide the highest standard of education to enable children and young people to achieve their full potential, in a secure and caring Islamic environment, delivered by experienced and passionate staff with a drive to build a community for the future. We thrive to serve our school community and support our pupils to achieve outstanding levels of individual achievement and work together with a strong sense of social responsibility for a peaceful and prosperous society.
Our Approach
ecoLearn Methodology
We deliver Scottish Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) experiences and outcomes using our experiences-based Content Oriented Methodology (ecoLearn). Our methodology allows teachers to deliver varying experiences of social, scientific, and technological topics with carefully selected contexts.
These contexts provide intertwining experiences through interdisciplinary learning across subjects such as literacy, numeracy, science, and history. Our methodology offers an excellent opportunity to be flexible and broaden the scope of experiences while giving due consideration to parents' wishes and local considerations.
Governance
School governance is provided by our leadership team that ensures the school has a clear vision, high educational standards, and sound financial management. The head of school is accountable for the school's performance and day-to-day operations while the executive oversee the budget.
Leadership
The school promotes a distributed leadership and governance structure to leverage from the experiences of professionals at various levels.
- - Board of Governors provides strategic oversight and governance for the school
- - Executive Head provides the vision for the school and leads the curriculum development, attainment and assessment teams
- - Quality Assurance Executive ensures the school's delivery of education offer our pupils stimulating experiences and strives to maintain the standards expected from an excellent school
- - Head of School (Operations & Qualification) is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations at the school, working with members of staff and their continous development, engaging with parents and third sector throughout the academic year.
Staff
Our staff make the school vibrant, maintaining a nurturing atmosphere. The school is always looking for talent who are passionate about teaching. If you have the drive and can-do attitude, contact the school to enquire of any suitable opportunities for you.
Parents
Our parents play a crucial role throughout their child's learning experiences at Al-Qalam School by collaborating with our teachers and supporting them to achieve the best outcome for their child.
Testimonials
A Houston - S3 Flexible Learning
This is my third fantastic year at Qalam Academy, I started in S1, I feel as though I am reaching my full potential. All of my teachers have helped me accomplish this. I get to read my salaah everyday which is another benefit. I came to this school so that I am in a safe Islamic environment.
R Mohamed - S1 Al-Qalam School
Big Positive - The Teachers! My experience in Al-Qalam is amazing. This school has a safe environment where you feel included. Academically, the school has tremendous ways of teaching. I feel that Al-Qalam has improved my learning.
M Geddes - Quality Assurance Executive
As the quality assurance adviser for Al Qalam, I have the privilege of visiting regularly to see the work in classes. My role involves advising staff on their next steps to further improve learning and teaching. I have always been hugely impressed at the warm welcome I receive. Staff show a real willingness to improve their practice and they regularly seek advice which confirms their commitment to doing their best for every child. I work with staff on the improvement plan and again they really work effectively to ensure that improvements are being taken forward at pace. I see firsthand how happy, settled and secure the children and young people are. They are cared for by staff who have formed trusting and positive relationships with all pupils. I particularly like the recent focus on outdoor learning using sports pitches and forest grounds. This is also enhanced by trips further afield. The small class sizes ensure every child receives a high level of support. It is always a pleasure to visit the school and see highly professional staff at work. The school’s strong focus on values led practice results in a learning environment that is calm, caring, friendly and respectful. There is a real family ethos. I really enjoy working with Al Qalam pupils and staff and very much feel part of the team
Z Asif - Primary Teacher
As an educator at Al Qalam Academy, I can confidently say that it has been one of the most enriching and fulfilling teaching experiences of my career. The environment is warm, supportive, and genuinely conducive to learning. What sets our school apart is the opportunity to give each child meaningful one-to-one attention—allowing me to witness their growth, confidence, and academic progress firsthand. Seeing children flourish not only in their studies but also in their character is truly rewarding. Our curriculum places strong emphasis on academic excellence while equally nurturing vital life skills, such as talking and listening, thoughtful discussion, and healthy socialisation. The school’s Islamic values and ethos are seamlessly woven into daily learning, guiding children to become compassionate, respectful, and confident individuals. The pupils here are exceptionally caring towards one another, creating a community where kindness is the norm and every child feels valued. One of the aspects I appreciate most is that our students are encouraged to be themselves while being given every opportunity to practise their faith proudly and comfortably. The balance between high-quality education, personal development, and spiritual growth makes this school a truly special place. For parents seeking an environment where their children will be supported, inspired, and nurtured in every aspect of their development, I wholeheartedly recommend our school. It is a place where children thrive academically, socially, and spiritually—every single day.
A Aslam - Office Admin
As an administrator I have privilege to work for Al-Qalam School, I can honestly say it holds a special place in my heart. It's not just the academic achievements, but the genuine care and dedication that permeates every aspect of the school. I've seen teachers go above and beyond to support their students, creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and empowered. Al-Qalam is more than just a school; it's a family that embraces diversity, celebrates individuality, and instils a lifelong love of learning. It's a true gem in our community, and I'm deeply grateful for the positive impact it has on our students and families. I am proud to work for Al-Qalam school in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow .
Location
Ben Nevis Road
Paisley PA2 7BU
Scotland, United Kingdom