Empowering the next generation through faith and knowledge

Supporting Shi’a students with opportunities to grow academically, personally, and professionally.

What is the Allamah Tabataba’i Award?

The Allamah Tabataba’i Award (ATA) is a UK-wide initiative that recognises and nurtures high-achieving Shi’a GCSE and A Level students, supporting their academic excellence, Islamic learning, and personal and professional development. Students receive support through a programme of workshops, mentoring, leadership development, and trips, all inspired by the Islamic tradition of knowledge and scholarship and designed to prepare them for their future.

Academic Excellence

Academic Development

We organise a series of workshops and events, led by Scholars and Sheikhs, to help students develop both their academic and Islamic knowledge. These sessions cover topics such as critical thinking skills and the responsibilities of Muslims living in the West.

Mentoring & Networking

Students are paired with mentors who share similar goals or career aspirations. These mentors offer guidance and are available to answer questions. Students are also provided the opportunity to learn from one another and build meaningful connections with the wider community.

Awards

Each year, students with outstanding results are recognised with trophies and prizes at the Awards Ceremony. This event provides a unique occasion for Shi’a students to be celebrated by the broader community for their dedication and commitment to academic excellence.

Trips

We organise national trips to universities like Cambridge and Oxford for students to learn about campus life and meet with students, as well as international excursions such as Hawza summer schools and Ziyarah trips.

Class of 2026?

Begin your ATA journey! Applications are now open for current Year 11 and Year 13 students.

Apply Now

Hear from our students

“…Having been with the ATA since 2017 has enabled me to not only grow as a person academically, but also spiritually and drawing connections between the two. There is great emphasis on fellowship in Islam, and ATA definitely accommodates this. The lifelong friendships I’ve gained through this vital initiative allow me to network and build strong community bonds with those in the Shia community.”

Kashaf

“…I can say that ATA really has shaped my life to the better. One of the biggest things ATA has done for me is allow me to form friendships that I know for sure will last a lifetime. These friends made transitioning into university much easier, and grew my confidence immensely.”

Ali Hammed