A London school has won a case brought against it by a Muslim student challenging the school’s ban on prayer rituals. The 700-pupil Michaela School in Brent faced accusations of discrimination from the girl, who argued that the ban undermined her right to freedom of religion. The school had implemented the policy after it experienced death and bomb threats linked to religious observance on site. About half the school’s pupils are Muslim. Up to 30 students began praying in the school’s yard in March 2023, using blazers to kneel on, but the school subsequently banned prayer rituals due to concerns that they could risk “undermining inclusion” between pupils.
In his 83-page written judgment dismissing the student’s case, Judge Mr Justice Linden stated that “the claimant at the very least impliedly accepted, when she enrolled at the school, that she would be subject to restrictions on her ability to manifest her religion.” Education Secretary Gillian Keegan praised the ruling, saying: “I have always been clear that head teachers are best placed to make decisions in their school. Michaela is an outstanding school and I hope this judgment gives all school leaders the confidence to make the right decisions for their pupils.”
Following the ruling, the student said in a statement that she was “disappointed” but planned to remain at the school and to focus on her GCSE exams. The school’s founder and head teacher, Katharine Birbalsingh, called the verdict a “victory for all schools” and stated: “A school should be free to do what is right for the pupils it serves. Schools should not be forced by one child and her mother to change its approach simply because they have decided they don’t like something at the school. If parents do not like what Michaela is, they do not need to send their children to us.” Michaela is a free school, which is known for its “tiger teaching” approach that requires pupils to comply with strict disciplinary measures
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