A Muslim school will become one of the first in the country to be funded by the public purse. The Orchard School in Streatham, which is an independent primary, wants to become voluntary-aided.

Lambeth’s School Organisation Committee agreed to the proposal by the Al-Risalah Education Trust, which previously established Balham Mosque.

The committee is made up of representatives from schools, Lambeth council, the Learning and Skills Council, the Southwark Diocesan Board and the Archdiocese of Southwark. Speaking after the meeting in September, Al-Risalah trustee Firdos Qazi said:

“We are extremely happy and pleased and looking forward to becoming a member of the Lambeth family of schools.”

The Orchard School will be funded by Lambeth council but decide its own admissions policy. Phyllis Dunipace, the council’s executive director for children and young people’s services,said:

“The Orchard School will ensure we are are serving the needs of the Muslim community and are committed to embracing the great diversity of Lambeth.”

Councillor Sally Prentice, cabinet member for education, said: “There is a clear demand for a Muslim faith school in Lambeth.”

The school in Gatton Road is one of five voluntary-aided Muslim schools in the country. Speaking to Islamic Times, Safia Basith, acting head of the school, is delighted with the decision.

“The whole community is celebrating,” she said. “A lot of families have made sacrifices to send their children here so it has made them all very happy.