Malek Fahd Islamic School Achieves Its Strongest NAPLAN Results in Recent Years
Student Achievement
PRESS RELEASE:
Date: Friday 7 August 2026
Malek Fahd Islamic School (MFIS) is proud to announce its strongest NAPLAN results in recent years, reflecting significant academic growth across its campuses and the collective efforts of students, staff, and families.
Between 2025 and 2026, MFIS recorded substantial improvement across Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, with cohort averages increasing in 18 of the 20 assessed NAPLAN domains. These results highlight strengthening foundations in literacy and numeracy and demonstrate the impact of the School’s sustained focus on academic excellence.
Most notably, the number of cohorts performing above the NSW state average doubled in 2026, representing a significant improvement in student achievement relative to state benchmarks. The results point to stronger academic consistency across the School and provide clear evidence that targeted teaching strategies, data-informed practice, explicit instruction, and strengthened learning routines are driving improved student outcomes.
Principal Dr Zachariah Matthews welcomed the results, describing them as an affirmation of the School’s commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence.
“These results are both encouraging and rewarding. They reflect the hard work and dedication of our students, the expertise and commitment of our teachers, and the strong partnership we share with our families.
While we are proud of these outcomes, we recognise that education is about far more than test scores. Our purpose is to develop the whole person. At MFIS, we deliver the NSW curriculum through an approach that nurtures academic achievement, strong character, faith, and a commitment to service.”
Dr Matthews said the School’s educational philosophy is guided by its core values of Faith, Excellence and Service.
“These values shape every aspect of school life. They underpin our commitment to developing young people who are knowledgeable, compassionate, resilient, and equipped to make a positive contribution to society.”
MFIS recognises that student success can take many forms and is committed to supporting a wide range of post-school pathways. In Years 11 and 12, the School offers Entrepreneurial Pathways for students interested in apprenticeships, vocational education, TAFE, business ventures, and alternative pathways beyond school. This initiative reflects the School’s commitment to helping every student identify a purposeful pathway aligned to their strengths, interests, and aspirations.
The School’s distinctive educational approach is further strengthened through its partnership with the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE) at the University of Adelaide, supporting a contemporary and holistic model of Islamic education that integrates academic achievement with faith-based learning and character development.
The School’s mission is to provide opportunities for students’ spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, social, moral, and vocational growth. Our educational programs are designed to support each student in achieving their personal best across all of these dimensions of development. Through a broad range of academic, co-curricular, and wellbeing programs, the School seeks to equip students with the knowledge, skills, values, and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
“We remain committed to nurturing our students’ faith while striving for the highest standards of academic achievement,” Dr Matthews said
“Our goal is to see every student grow into a confident, capable, and compassionate individual who embodies our School motto: Knowledge is Light.”
With enrolments for 2027 continuing to attract strong interest, MFIS welcomes families seeking an education grounded in Islamic values, academic excellence, and a holistic vision for student success.
About Malek Fahd Islamic School
Malek Fahd Islamic School is one of Australia’s largest Islamic schools, educating approximately 3,300 students from Sydney’s diverse Muslim community.
Established in 1989, MFIS is an independent co-educational Islamic day school serving students from Kindergarten to Year 12 across its campuses at Greenacre, Hoxton Park, and Beaumont Hills. The School is committed to providing a holistic education that combines academic excellence with Islamic values, preparing students to become successful learners, responsible citizens, and confident future leaders.
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