Confident bilingualism
Strengthening Arabic as a mother tongue alongside English.
Our story
Twenty-five years of light and learning.
Al-Manar Arabic School opened in September 2001 to meet a need in Manchester's Arab community, and to welcome every child who wanted to learn Arabic. Today it is part of AlManar (UK) Educational Trust, a registered charity.
المنار
نحو الأرفع والأنفع
Towards what is highest and most beneficial
Al-Manar means the lighthouse.
The name reflects our hope to guide children in an enlightened and beneficial way.
We build children's Arabic listening, speaking, reading and writing, and their understanding of Islamic and cultural values, in a supportive setting, and we strengthen their family and cultural connections.
Milestones
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2001
Al-Manar Arabic School opens its doors in September.
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2005
Manchester City Council Quality Standard Award.
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2012
Most outstanding pupil and most outstanding teacher at the Manchester Supplementary Schools Achievement Day.
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2015
Manchester City Council Gold Award.
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2016
Joins AlManar (UK) Educational Trust. First supplementary school in the North West to win the QF Gold Award, presented at the British Museum.
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2026
Twenty-five years, and GCSE Arabic students achieving Grade 9.
Our mission
To develop children's listening, speaking, reading and writing in Arabic, and their understanding of Islamic and cultural values, in a supportive setting.
Who we serve
Muslim, Arabic and British communities in Manchester, including Arab, Asian and Somali families.
What we aim for
Living with the Qur'an
Recitation, understanding, reflection and memorisation.
Heritage and history
The lives and conduct of the righteous predecessors.
Identity and belonging
A positive Islamic identity and real self-confidence.
Joy in learning
Enrichment that makes Arabic motivating and fun.
Active citizenship
Cultural awareness and care for the wider Manchester community.
Letter from the Headteacher
A New Chapter in a 25-Year Journey of Excellence
Our Headteacher's letter to parents opens the new academic year as a new chapter in the school's 25 years of work. It is available in English and in Arabic.
Our staff
The school is run by experienced management staff, with teaching staff who have long experience in teaching and learning.
"The teachers are trained to teach the curriculum in an open minded way and do adapt the syllabus to meet the children's different leaning styles."
"There was active participation at the Manchester Supplementary Schools Achievement Day in June 2012 as the Almanar Arabic School received an award for the most outstanding pupil and the most outstanding teacher at that venue."
An Arabic language supervisor advises and supports our teachers.
Trustees
In 2016 the school became part of AlManar (UK) Educational Trust, to build on its success. The Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, no. 1167415.
AlManar (UK) Educational Trust
Registered charity 1167415
Registered charity 1167415
Community relationships
Rooted locally
Close relationships with the local community, MPs, police, councillors and the Lord Mayor, who visit at open days and end-of-year ceremonies.
Arabic for real life
Arabic taught for real-life needs, balancing enjoyment with hard work, using Jordanian course books and texts written by our teachers.
Partnerships
Working with community groups, mainstream schools and other educational institutions.
Safeguarding comes first
No teacher works alone with pupils without an enhanced DBS check. All visitors sign in and out at reception, show proof of ID and wear a visitor pass.
Read our Safeguarding Policy →Awards
In 2016 we became the first supplementary school in the North West to win the QF Gold Award, one of two Manchester schools to receive it.
- QF Gold
2016, British Museum - MCC Gold
2015 - Special Award
2016, Teacher - Quality Standard
2005
Come and see us.
Find us at Parrs Wood High School, Wilmslow Road, East Didsbury, Manchester M20 5PG.