Prayer ban at Katharine Birbalsingh’s school is lawful, High Court rules .

zakouma66

Could the school have set aside an area for prayer maybe, thereby avoiding conflict?

I don't see what the problem is.

It’s a secular school, there is no need for conflict. Parents making an application to secular schools should accept this.

How was Legal Aid available??? It’s rare as hens teeth so why available for this

Maybe we need to move to all state schools being secular

It shouldn't be allowed and I hope she doesn't get legal aid for this one but told if you don't like/agree with whatever it is then find another school.

Could the school have set aside an area for prayer maybe, thereby avoiding conflict?

I don't see what the problem is.

Sigh.

The Twitter post from Birbalsingh is worth reading. Apparently the mother of the vexatious child is planning another legal challenge against the school on a different matter.

This one cost the tax payer £150k in legal aid, and she is also planning on sending her other daughter there, so clearly doesn’t hate the school that much.
Honestly, words fail me that we allow this to happen.

Germanshepherdsmum

I hope whichever lefty lawyer has been acting for her isn’t frantically looking for grounds to appeal. They’re not known for accepting defeat.

why do you and others always blame 'lefty lawyers'? It is intensely irritating and also incorrect.

Having said that, I think that school is no place for religion, either Christian, Muslim or Jewish. Religion, as we read on here very often, is divisive. Children should mix with their peers, not just those of the same religion.

Oreo

Cossy

Joseann

Good, as long as she is fair about prayer rituals to all religions that's fine.

Yes. But great to hear of a secondary school with such high strict standards.

It’s a secular school.

Yes.the

Urmstongran

Yeah right mum.
You knew the score when you enrolled your daughter. You took a punt here.

This.

Cossy

Joseann

Good, as long as she is fair about prayer rituals to all religions that's fine.

Yes. But great to hear of a secondary school with such high strict standards.

It’s a secular school.

The mother and daughter knew exactly what they were doing when they selected the school, and in later bringing this challenge to the school's ethos.
These challenges won't end here, unfortunately.

Yeah right mum.
You knew the score when you enrolled your daughter. You took a punt here.

“Pupil’s mother ‘profoundly dismayed’ by outcome
The pupil’s mother said she was “profoundly dismayed by the case’s outcome”.

In a comment issued by law firm Simpson Millar, she said: “The case was rooted in the understanding that prayer isn’t just a desirable act for us - it’s an essential element that shapes our lives as Muslims.

“In our faith, prayer holds undeniable importance, guiding us through each challenge with strength and faith.”

She added: “My daughter’s impassioned stance compelled me to support her and I stand firm in that decision.

“Her courage in pursuing this matter fills me with pride and I’m confident she’s gained invaluable lessons from the experience.”

More from The Telegraph:

Pupil who brought challenge ‘very disappointed’
The pupil who brought the legal challenge said in a statement provided by law firm Simpson Millar: “I am obviously very disappointed that the judge did not agree with me.

“As is set out in the judgment, I do not agree that it would be too hard for the school to accommodate pupils who wished to pray in the lunch break.

“The school is very well run and generally very good at managing everything. The school doesn’t wish to allow pupils to pray, has chosen a different path and the judge has found in their favour.

“Even though I lost, I still feel that I did the right thing in seeking to challenge the ban. I tried my best and was true to myself and my religion.

“Being involved in this case has not been easy for me ... The teachers are very good here and I hope to do the best that I can. I am also grateful for the understanding that my non-Muslim friends at school have shown as to the issues that affect us.”

Common sense at last 👍

School standards are usually set by the person at the top, and filter down. Not all heads have KB's guts!

If only more were like that.

Joseann

Good, as long as she is fair about prayer rituals to all religions that's fine.

Yes. But great to hear of a secondary school with such high strict standards.

Good, as long as she is fair about prayer rituals to all religions that's fine.

Common sense prevails at long last !

I didnt realise that schools like this existed anymore, I can only applaud their standards, it sounds like my school half a century ago.

Germanshepherdsmum

Exactly. You don’t choose a school for its methods and then try to change the rules to suit your own minority wishes.

This.
👏👏👏

Yay indeed

Thanks Urmstongran for sharing the Telegraph's piece on this.

It's very good news and Ms. Birbalsingh must be thrilled and relieved.

Exactly. You don’t choose a school for its methods and then try to change the rules to suit your own minority wishes.

Good. Religion should play no part in a state education. If parents wish for their children to have a religious education, they should be prepared to pay for it.

Thank you , hope there isn’t an appeal or gathering outside the school