About Us
An-Nissa,” meaning “The Women” in Arabic, reflects the core vision of the Academy: to create a dedicated space that supports and nurtures women in attaining all aspects of their Islamic and secular knowledge, Insha’Allah.
Beyond knowledge acquisition, the Academy is committed to developing essential skills, building confidence, and empowering women to become independent, articulate, and purposeful individuals. Through a holistic approach, we aim to nurture learners who are not only academically and spiritually grounded, but also equipped with critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills.
Our focus is on creating an environment where women feel supported, valued, and confident in their abilities, enabling them to apply their knowledge in real-life contexts, contribute positively to their communities, and grow into strong individuals with a clear sense of identity, purpose, and direction.
The name is inspired by Surah An-Nissa in the Qur’an, in which Allah سبحانه وتعالى addresses key issues relating to women, including rights within marriage and divorce, the care of orphans and children, inheritance, and the importance of maintaining justice and harmony within society. These themes form the foundation of our ethos, guiding our mission to empower women through authentic Religious knowledge and strong moral grounding.
As Founder and Headteacher of An-Nissa Academy, our vision is to go beyond the traditional delivery of knowledge and instead build individuals who are confident, grounded in their faith, and equipped to positively influence the wider community. We firmly believe that educating a woman is not limited to personal development alone, but is a powerful means of strengthening families, shaping future generations, and ultimately uplifting entire communities.
As a female scholar and religious education specialist and leader, I am deeply committed to creating an environment where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally. Our aim is to nurture students who are not only knowledgeable and academic but who embody strong character, resilience, and Taqwa (God-consciousness), enabling them to navigate modern challenges while remaining firmly rooted in religious principles.
We are passionate educators dedicated to empowering women through knowledge rooted in the Qur’an, Hadith, and Religious teachings. My academic journey includes a BSc in Psychology in Education from Birmingham University, alongside the completion of a rigorous seven-year Alimiyyah programme in Islamic Theology and Arabic, under the guidance of respected scholars. I have also completed advanced specialisation (Takhasus al-Fiqh) and graduated as a Muftiyyah. This combination of academic, theological, and life experience enables me to provide a holistic, relatable, and impactful approach to teaching.
At An-Nissa Academy, our vision extends to developing individuals who will become role models, leaders, and contributors within their communities. We aim to cultivate learners who are not only well versed in knowledge, but who actively apply it in their lives, demonstrating compassion, integrity, and a commitment to serving others.
We offer a wide range of programmes to support learners at every stage, including:
- Full-time and part-time online Alimiyyah programmes
- Tafsir and Hadith studies
- Islamic tutoring for children and teenagers
- Adult learning courses in Tajweed, Sirah, and foundational religious sciences
- Academic support with secular education for GCSE’S and A levels.
Our global community of students spans across the UK and internationally, including the USA, Qatar, and Dubai, and continues to grow.
As Headteacher, I remain committed to ensuring that An-Nissa Academy is a place of growth, transformation, and belonging, where individuals from all backgrounds whether beginners, reconnecting with their faith, or advancing their studies are fully supported in strengthening their relationship within the wider community and their spirituality with Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
Our vision extends beyond spiritual development alone; we are equally dedicated to building students’ knowledge, critical thinking, and practical life skills, enabling them to apply their learning with confidence and purpose. Through a holistic approach to education. We aim to nurture individuals who are not only grounded in religious teachings but are also articulate, reflective, and capable of contributing positively to their families and wider communities.
By fostering a culture of high expectations, compassion, and continuous growth, we strive to develop learners who embody strong character, resilience, and Taqwa, equipping them to navigate the challenges of modern society while remaining firmly rooted in their faith. Ultimately, our goal is to empower students to become confident, knowledgeable, and impactful individuals who carry their learning forward as a means of personal success and service to others.
Ultimately, our vision is to contribute towards building a generation of knowledgeable, confident, and spiritually aware individuals who will positively shape families, societies, and future generations.
We pray that Allah سبحانه وتعالى accepts the efforts of all those involved in this work and makes it a means of ongoing reward (Sadaqah Jariyyah) for them and their families. Ameen.
Muftiyyah Shazia- Headteacher