Questions swirl around Madani Secondary Girls’ School. What makes it special? Why is it important? Let’s explore this unique school together.
Madani Secondary Girls’ School is a private Islamic secondary school. It is located in Whitechapel London. The school resides in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Madani Girls’ School also runs a college and an Alimah program. The school first opened its doors in September 1991.
The southern school building has an interesting past. It was once the Myrdle Street Central School. Thomas Jerram Bailey designed it in 1905. He was the Architect of the Education Department of the London County Council. Myrdle Street School was one of the first “central schools”. These schools offered education higher than elementary level. The Pevsner Architectural Guide calls the building unique. It features semicircular staircase towers with copper domes. The building became a Grade II Listed building in 1973.
Hannah Billig attended Myrdle Street Central School. She was a British-Jewish doctor. She worked in the East End during the London Blitz. People called her “The Angel of Cable Street”. Morris Harold Davis also attended the school. He was President of the Federation of Synagogues. He served from 1928 to 1944. He was also a Labour Party politician.
After World War II the school became Grenfell Special School. It closed on July 31 1999. In 1977 the building became a social center. It served the local Bangladeshi community. They held evening language classes there.
Madani Girls’ School history began in 1991. In 2001 the school leased the northern building. It used it as an independent school. In 2008 they bought the building from Tower Hamlets council.
The school faced media criticism in 2013. This was due to its uniform policy. From 1991 to 2012 students had to wear a niqab. This was required when traveling to and from school. By 2013 students wore a black burqa and long black coat outside. Inside they wore a green shalwar kameez. By 2016 face veils became optional.
Construction for a two-story annex began in 2020. This building is called the Madani Hub. Construction aimed to finish in December 2021.
Madani Girls’ School students participate in many activities. Year 9 students visited the Bush Theatre for Diversity Day in November 2024. Students attend career events. They also run school-wide elections. Pupils visit museums such as the Natural History Museum. They celebrate World Book Day.
Madani Girls’ School received Tower Hamlets Council’s Bronze Award. This was for excellence in PE, Careers, SMSC, Mental Health, and Child Protection.
Today Madani Secondary Girls’ School stands as a testament to education. It also reflects community adaptation. From its beginnings as Myrdle Street Central School to its current role it enriches lives. It is a place of learning and growth for young women in London.