School heads warn of Trojan Horse overreaction

Anti-extremism measures for schools in the wake of the Trojan Horse inquiries are rushed and could have unintended consequences, head teachers warn.

They claim proposed regulations could inhibit “free discussion” and are calling for a longer time for consultation.

The rules apply to England’s academies, independent and free schools.

A Department for Education spokeswoman said they promoted “tolerance and respect of all faiths and cultures”.

But a Christian campaign group says the proposals are a “classic case of the government over-reacting” and are so broad-ranging that schools could become subject to “every whim of the PC brigade”.

Following reports that schools in Birmingham were under pressure from groups promoting a hardline Muslim ethos, the Department for Education published amended proposals for new standards covering independent schools and academies.

These updated regulations, intended to reduce the threat of extremism and intolerance, include calls for schools to promote “British values”, such as “mutual respect and tolerance”.

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