Our History

The early years

ACE was established as a charity with a focus on education and service to the local community. In March 2006, a small secondary school for girls opened with just one class.

Steady growth

Over the next four years the secondary school grew to four classes with approximately 45 pupils. Alongside the school, ACE developed youth clubs, recreational activities, revision support, citizenship work, interfaith activities and adult learning opportunities.

A major expansion

ACE moved its educational provision to larger premises. The organisation grew to include approximately 145 girls in the secondary school, 95 pupils in a newly established primary school, and around 140 children aged 4–13 in a Saturday Arabic school.

At this stage, around 380 children were participating across these three educational provisions alone.

Sixth form education

A new sixth form for girls opened, offering nine A-Level subjects and giving pupils the opportunity to continue beyond GCSE level within the same educational environment.

Broadening opportunities

In 2011, ACE established Hendon Business School, registered with the UK Border Agency to provide Level 7 Management courses to international students. Following changes to immigration and international-student regulation, the operation was discontinued in 2012.

In 2012, AAT Accountancy courses were introduced and ACE also expanded into adult education, including PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS teacher-training programmes and an adult Aalimah programme.

Further adult and Islamic education

Demand for the Aalimah programme continued to grow. A programme for younger female students was introduced, alongside additional adult cohorts.

Developing new programmes

A BA Islamic Studies programme through Middlesex University was registered and prepared for delivery, but did not commence because the required number of students was not achieved.

ACE also prepared for CACHE qualifications in childcare and teaching assistance. These courses likewise did not proceed because sufficient student numbers were not achieved.