Why was ‘Britain’s strictest school’ allowed to ban Muslim prayer?

A High Court judge has ruled that a prayer ban at one of Britain’s best performing state schools is “not unlawful”, following accusations of religious discrimination and intense controversy.

An unnamed Muslim pupil bought the case last year, claiming it “uniquely” impacted her Muslim faith.

Judge Linden ruled that the pupil had signed up to the school knowing its unique policy on prayer. He also found the suspension of the pupil was justified, as the pupil had been “extremely rude and defiant”, according to one teacher at the school’s account. 

The ban, which was put into play in March last year, has sparked tensions at the school, where roughly 50 per cent of the students are Muslim.