Top London school taken to high court over prayer ban

Michaela community school, run by ‘Britain’s toughest headmistress’, Katharine Birbalsingh, introduced ban last March

One of England’s highest performing state schools, famed for its top results, strict discipline code and charismatic headteacher, has been challenged in the high court for its policy of banning prayer rituals on school premises.

The case against Michaela community school in Brent, north-west London, has been brought by one of its Muslim pupils, who claims the ban is discriminatory.