New home secured for Brent's only state-funded Muslim primary school

Brent Council has agreed plans to secure the future of Islamia Primary School (IPS) by relocating the school to the Gwenneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road by September 2027.

IPS, the only Muslim voluntary-aided primary school in Brent, has been required to leave its current site on Salusbury Road by August 2027 following an eviction notice. Without relocation, the school would face closure.

Consultations with parents, staff and residents showed strong support for the move. Families highlighted that the current split-site arrangement is overcrowded and unsuitable, while the new site will offer modern facilities, more outdoor space and improved provision for children with special educational needs.

The Gwenneth Rickus site becomes available in 2027 following the phased closure of primary provision on the site that is part of Leopold Primary School, in response to falling pupil numbers in the area. Relocating IPS will support the continuing diversity of choice within the Brent family of schools. Brent Council has agreed plans to secure the future of Islamia Primary School (IPS) by relocating the school to the Gwenneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road by September 2027.

Cllr Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said:

“This decision protects the future of Brent’s only Muslim state-funded primary school, which would otherwise have been evicted from their current home. Crucially, it will also be making the best use of available school buildings, which would have otherwise stood empty.

“We have listened carefully to families, students and staff who have told us about their concerns with the school’s existing facilities. Moving to the Gwenneth Rickus site secures the school’s future and will finally give children the safe, high-quality environment they deserve.”