Michaela Community School in Brent, north London has banned prayer rituals in the playground, a move which has been backed by a high court ruling.
A pupil has claimed banning prayer was discriminatory and “uniquely” impacted her faith, however the judge found the ban did not interfere with her rights.
It was argued the pupil would be missing out in specific times of day prayers are required, however the High Court said Islam allows for “Qada prayers” or “make-up” prayer if those had been missed.
The pupil said the school’s rule “fundamentally changed” how she felt “about being a Muslim in this country”.
The ruling has sparked fury among religious leaders, with Imam Ajmal Masroor saying the High Court ruling showed a “fundamental misunderstanding” of what it means to be a Muslim.
However headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh said the ruling was a “victory for all schools”.
She said: “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.”
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