Pupils settle into school life quickly and make strong and lasting friendships. This is due to the sense of camaraderie and community in the school. Pupils have respectful relationships with staff. Staff know their pupils well and look after them. Pupils have trusted adults and ‘independent listeners’ that they go to if they need advice or have concerns. Pupils and their families like the school’s emphasis on Islamic studies and this is the main reason for pupils to attend the school. Pupils value the personal and spiritual enrichment they get from these. In some secular subjects, standards of work across the school are not high. While there is some improvement in current pupils’ achievement, there is variation in how well subjects are taught. This impacts on the extent and depth of pupils’ learning. As boarders, pupils take pride in how independent they become. Staff encourage pupils to take responsibility and to play their part in looking after the school. For example, sixth-form students support younger pupils in lessons and the school council makes recommendations for school improvement. Pupils’ behaviour reflects the school’s high expectations of conduct. They share respectful relationships with staff and each other.