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Ruling over prayers ban 'victory for all schools'

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date17 April 2024
Publication titleHuddersfield Daily Examiner
Michaela Community School in Brent, north London, faced legal action from the pupil, who claimed its policy was discriminatory and unlawfully breached her right to religious freedom

In a judgment yesterday, a judge concluded the ban did not interfere with the student's rights and was "proportionate" amid the school's aim to promote an ethos of inclusivity and social cohesion.

Katherine Birbalsingh, the highachieving school's founder and head teacher, said: "A school should be free to do what is right for the pupils it serves.

"The court's decision is therefore a victory for all schools.

"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."

She said the school of some 700 pupils, about half of whom are Muslim, embraces "traditional values"

where "children are happy and are friends with each other across racial and religious divides".

Ms Birbalsingh said people are informed about its strict rules before pupils join, adding: "If parents do not like what...

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