Why I banned prayer in my school | Katharine Birbalsingh

Katharine Birbalsingh, otherwise known as Britain's strictest headteacher, explains why she banned prayer at her school in her first broadcast interview since the controversial move.
📻 Listen to Times Radio - www.thetimes.co.uk/radio
📍 Subscribe to our channel - / @listentotimesradio
🗞 Subscribe to The Times www.thetimes.co.uk/subscribe/...
📲 Get the free Times Radio app www.thetimes.co.uk/radio/how-...

[@shootthelobster]

I live in France and I recall that about 10 years ago a school in Juan La Pin came under fire because the Muslims complained that a student had bought ham sandwiches for lunch. This was huge in the media . The mayor of Juan La Pin told the Muslims concerned that there is over 45 countries that would uphold the rules of the Muslim religion and offered to pay for their flights to those countries. If you come to Western Europe for a better life then you must be prepared to accept the culture, if not then don`t come here.

[@gilesbaron6893]

We need a Ham Sandwich day throughout Europe.

[@wordwordful]

The Muslims Religion takes over. They do not submit. One also has to know the difference between Good and Evil. Also look at the character and Nature of any Religion

[@DrRussell]

That’s fair enough, but it works both ways, yet history suggests otherwise.

[@imamachineok]

Legend!! That happened? Things have changed. What a shame.

[@ssa12654]

😂😂so amusing when colonisers try to ship people of colour to another country

[@mlo886]

Is not Muslim prayer ban, it is any prayer ban. If they were to get a prayer room for muslims they would have to do it for all other religions. This teacher is so right!

[@fayabogush2956]

Imagine if all student went to prayer rooms all day long.

[@machinegunmax100]

No you just have one prayer room that people can share or use at different times. They had this when i was at school, its not a difficult concept.

[@elmestico]

You do know that only muslims pray at Midday as they have MIDDAY PRAYER starts... so the targetted group is obvious in here... I think a room should be allocated for praying , of course it ll be used only at Break time. Simple

[@joem7799]

@@machinegunmax100 did you not heed what the headteacher said? She said that there are over 3 hundred Muslim pupils at the school, and one prayer room would not be enough, several would be needed and the corridors would be heavily trafficked during lunch periods etc, when the Muslims were going to the various prayer rooms. The teacher said the school cannot supply all those prayer rooms and it’s not a case of providing one prayer room. Plus there are other troubles that come with providing prayer rooms, it casts an emphasis on religion, and cult practices kick in, and the cult practices put pressure on other pupils, non Muslims, to join the gang or be bullied ! Did you not heed the problems that this culture brings? It causes division and fear to those not of that cult!

[@terrylomax6799]

Catholics have their own schools. Moslems have theirs. Most English schools are Church of England. If you don't like it send your kids to a moslem school

[@edsheringham751]

Why no attempts to find those who were threatening violence or death? In all these cases the Police have never made any arrests, why? This is the reason why these people are getting more and more troublesome.

[@JaiRamJaiRamJaiRam108]

Ban Quran

[@BibaSenana]

In uk police is useless...there is no law.

[@hyderally8045]

Because it was a lie, made up stories. This should have been investigated extensively. Why was this all brushed aside?

[@semaduqa5583]

Take your lying self somewhere else

[@nishatimbadia1635]

Very TRUE.

[@lanhua810]

Katharine you are so right! I wish you courage, strength and open public support!

[@cuteanimalseverywhere7620]

Anyone making death threats against teachers for doing their best needs a good hard look at themselves!

[@JanetJames-dw6xo]

Actually they should be deported to their Muslim country.

[@alanbeaumont4848]

Happens to footballers more.

[@Naomi-de2ps]

The muslim MP Zarah Sultana has recently said she and other muslim MPs get death threats all the time from racists.

[@Fightforyourdreams2024]

Just arrest them!

[@raffam3559]

Well they don’t because they think they are right!

[@andrewhotston983]

Ten minutes of pure wisdom. Well done to Callum for letting Katharine speak.

[@the_p.p.e.]

O l. L

[@TimHoward-sy6mn]

ARE YOU HINDU OR A SIKH ?

[@andipandi5641]

if she is so wise - why is her school in this crazy mess ?? maybe because OCD does not lend itself to managing a school in a sensible way.. maybe cos trying to solve precise bullying issues by bringing in over the top draconian rules on prayer is counterproductive.. maybe cos she let obsession with image override respect for the basic rights of pupils..

[@irene56]

​@andipandi5641 People are queuing up to get their children into this school. Where have you heard that her school is in a ' crazy mess '. We need more headmistresses like this lady. She is treating each child equally. The ban is on all religion in this school, no preferences. Anyone wanting or worse demanding their religion is more important than the education of ALL the children in this school are free to put their kids in a single faith school. Respect to this headteacher and her staff for standing up against a disrespectful, depressing baying mob of individuals. They want fining heavily for disruption and instigating hatred and using hate speech. Love your pen name. Andy Pandy episodes always ended with 🎶 Time to go home. Time to go home. Andy is waving goodbye 👋.

[@Fightforyourdreams2024]

​@@andipandi5641It's the Islamic crazies who are causing all the trouble. They want her out so they can replace her with a Muslim. That's how they think and how they take control and take over. Meanwhile our British Jewish neighbours have lived peacefully and quietly here in the UK since around 1066, and no terrorist bombing attacks from them and making demands and trying to take over. Says it all doesn't it!

[@billytollerton4220]

Very well done Catherine for standing up to do the right thing rather than bowing down to the narrow minded few.❤🎉🎉

[@robertbate5790]

Well spoken madam. If only the rest of society could be so open. 🙏🙏🙏

[@lavienestpasunlongfleuvetr2559]

And intelligent.

[@formicapple2]

Complete and utter respect for Miss/Mrs Birbalsignh. She understands that children need discipline to thrive. No wonder that school is outstanding for many years.

[@pearl4124]

What a racist teacher...... She has no right to close the prayer room. She is excessively managing childrens behaviours she has absolute no right to interfere any of the childrens behaviour as it is not harming any one. She clearly hates muslim Non of her business if a girl started to wear a head scarf None of her business if a child start to pray etc. honestly Christians are on and off when it comes to follow the religion the world would be a better place if the professionals can be a professionals ones

[@andipandi5641]

i have none at all if she cannot effectively manage a school without bringing in crazy and over the top rules.. why can she not simply - stand up to bullying but without unfairly curtailing anyone's basic rights.. she is out of her depth and either created this crazy mess or allowed it to happen..

[@AliKhan-be3mt]

Having religious beliefs is not a discipline unless your Stalin or Mao!!

[@qasmb1546]

@@andipandi5641 You are out of your depth, its hard to stand up to bullying when people like you attack her for doing so!

[@lefuedebout]

@@andipandi5641 Did you actually pay attention to her replies during the interview or did you form your opinion first!

[@barriewilliams4526]

We never had this problem when I was a boy (70 years ago) I wonder why🙃

[@bordedup546]

because this country is more multicultural now after immigration. you don't have to be embarrassed to say that. it makes it seem worse when you are

[@BubbleGendut]

Your memory is not so good is it. Catholic vs Protestant in Ireland & Scotland.

[@tullyDT]

Because your country reaped what it sowed from back when it decided it wanted to be a globe spanning Empire

[@Hereford1642]

@@BubbleGendut The Catholic/Protestant divide goes back centuries and does not exist in most of the country. The fact that it has taken literally hundreds of years to get to this level of peace is precisely why it was always a crazy idea to introduce large numbers of people dedicated and devoted to other religions. It is not as though the differences between Catholic and Protestant are even that huge.

[@BillDavies-ej6ye]

@@BubbleGendut And irreligious kids like me were told they were 'CofE'.

[@kimholland4822]

Respect to you Kathleen you are an amazing woman and you're only concern is for our children. If some people don't like what you are doing thay can send there children to a school that they do like what they are doing

[@carlfrederickbowers]

Well done Katharine such a star, she needs our support.

[@user-zz6sk2sq6i]

She actually sounds like a really good headteacher…

[@Phylicity]

Best ever. You’d want your children to go to her school which always gets excellent exam marks. If you want your kids to do well, she’s the one to enable them.

[@bugwandis]

Not really if she's doing interviews with far right outlets instead of working.

[@andrewhotston983]

@@bugwandis Not her choice - forced on her by the judge and the Islamofascists.

[@sssfff]

@@bugwandis These are not far right outlets. Maybe the far left outlets should invite her?

[@ljmrecords2564]

They are going to come for her job now

[@fionaowen5164]

Those who use racist abuse of any kind should be told to leave the school unacceptable same woth religious bullying

[@Naomi-de2ps]

She said the racist abuse was coming from outside the school community.

[@fionaowen5164]

@@Naomi-de2ps needs to be reported if found to be connected to families in school. They should be told to leave there is no place for this behaviour in or around our school those who want hard line Islam should put there children into Muslim schools

[@Naomi-de2ps]

@@fionaowen5164 She said it was from outside of the school community.

[@christinetennick1174]

Well done Katherine, I applaud you, You are a saint, someone with common sense,

[@birgitta6017]

If those bullies do not like this great school then they can leave...I have a child who will follow the rules but there is no space for my child.

[@agaragar21]

So why is there no space for your child....are his/ her religions tenants being disregarded in some way .............or are you just trying to justify your bigotry ?

[@birgitta6017]

@@agaragar21 The school is full..there is a waiting list because it's a great school...

[@freeforest]

@@agaragar21 : maybe better for everyone if you and people who think like you went back to wherever TF you came from.

[@pinkdiamond1847]

Don't send your child to this school. They might get good grades and behave well in the present but they won't forgive you in the future.

[@angelau1194]

@@agaragar21 ?

[@TimmsMJ]

This lady is doing her job, and doing it well. She is ensuring the children at her school are receiving a good education, in a safe environment. If you don't like how she runs her school, send your children elsewhere.

[@fayabogush2956]

Where are other professionals and parents I wonder.

[@pearl4124]

What a racist teacher...... She has no right to close the prayer room. She is excessively managing childrens behaviours she has absolute no right to interfere any of the childrens behaviour as it is not harming any one. She clearly hates muslim Non of her business if a girl started to wear a head scarf None of her business if a child start to pray etc. honestly Christians are on and off when it comes to follow the religion the world would be a better place if the professionals can be a professionals ones

[@bereal6590]

All she is doing is capitulating to bullies. She isn't fostering inclusion in a way that helps children understand each other. She is actively making her school secular

[@qr3579]

@@bereal6590 Since when this was supposed to be a religious school?

[@Deanodisco1]

The lady is talking common sense I back her 100%. Muslims think that the world revolves around them .

[@westminsterwatcher5152]

She's one remarkable lady! God bless you, Katharine!

[@zakjuly6721]

you ban prays to god ,when you hate God ... think before you comment

[@Matlockization]

Frankly, I'm surprised she was able to see common sense coming from the education system.

[@ileanamuntean7338]

Anyone can pray at any time. You pray in your thoughts. You can pray at home, on the bus, anywhere. This is a school, not a mosque. Those who do not like it, can go elsewhere.@@zakjuly6721

[@AWorld180]

What she’s a racist

[@fayabogush2956]

@@zakjuly6721 Translate please. Was it English?

[@Femmeaesthetic]

I'm someone who use to be a muslim, she has every right to say prayers aren't allowed in school and it doesn't involve only one particular religion but any. I've seen these chanting of "shariah for UK", we need more people like her

[@ragsrare3771]

The court must be on her side.

[@Dimensionalalteration]

Why? How was she ever a muslim and how does that give her rights to take away anyone elses rights?

[@JohnSims-nl5bi]

How many rakah In wudhu salah? How many units in tajweed prayer? If you used to be a Muslim, answer the above

[@yehldyehld]

@@Dimensionalalteration It isn't taking your rights though is it. You're entitled to be any religion you want and you can pray in your own time. Also have you not realised yet just how radical western countries are becoming because of Islamic groups and the spread of it? It's growing. Look at the recent terror marches in London. No thanks, let's just keep all religion out of schools and focus on education. Math, English, chemistry, biology, physics, history and other classes are far more important.

[@vien111]

​@@JohnSims-nl5bithere we go theres no such thing as wudhu salah

[@Beauweir]

My school in the 80s was multicultural by default cause was in Aston in Birmingham. I'm not aware that it took any particular pains on the school's part to get us all hanging out together. Kids naturally wish to be friends with each other

[@demeterontheinternet]

Exactly this. It’s really not hard.

[@fredneecher1746]

Unfortunately, Muslims generally do not want to mix with 'unbelievers'. The problem is that many Muslim children don't take it that seriously, but there is a real push these days from the more devout Muslims to make them toe the line. Hence why it is different now from the 1980s.

[@terencejay8845]

My 60/70s high school had one Muslim, Abdul, and one Jew, Ben. Great lads. They were excused the morning assembly which was Church of England based, with hymns, prayers, and a bible reading. I joined them as I declared I was Atheist, which caused some consternation. ( I bought two tickets off Ben for a concert because he couldn't go, which is how I managed to see Led Zeppelin in 1971 for the princely sum of £1 = $2 or so. Thanks, Ben! )

[@MusicismoreImportant]

​@@terencejay8845Dhaka and Cairo had less population then

[@susettemclachlan8765]

Not any more. They e been brainwashed with liberal ideology or Islamic fundamentalism. Hard to say which is worse

[@TruthSeekerAll]

Mad respect for this wise woman.

[@user-du7vx3ly5e]

Why are you calling her mad?that rude.

[@stevengrantofthegiftshop1549]

Mad respect for someone who doesn't let people pray? LOL!!! You are a joke of a human being

[@Hitogata]

​@user-du7vx3ly5e are you illiterate or just trolling?

[@EVA-ki5vw]

The West is founded by Christians, built by Christians, being run by Christians using Christian Bible inspired laws and theories. There should never be any other religious practice in any institution except for Christianity. PERIOD.

[@eadlondon-nm2uy]

​@@user-du7vx3ly5e You are having a linguistic cultural misunderstanding. "Mad respect" is English slang/ colloquial for "extremely high levels of respect...". It's not rude; it's a compliment.

[@KJ-js7pi]

After the Birmingham Primary School protests, Batley Grammar School incident, Kettlethorpe High School incident, Barclays Primary School incident, and now this Michaela Community School incident - it just seems like there's a common theme running throughout

[@sh.4409]

Yes let them in the country, then give them an inch and in return they demand a mile.

[@jacquelineithell307]

Yes you will bend to are ways as you are only mere citizens of this country sounds about right l would say

[@jak6326]

Oh my goodness, such venom!@@jacquelineithell307

[@jak6326]

*our ways @@jacquelineithell307

[@rogeralsop3479]

Correct.

[@tomfc1]

Incredible woman! We need more people like her

[@viviengregory9002]

I like this woman we need more people like this .

[@Redtop1965]

Her mistake was allowing prayer in the yard, this then escalated to the current situation.

[@raychambers3646]

Give an inch ?

[@johnreed1025]

how on earth are other headteachers against this woman...values...gameplan...common sense.....diciplined...

[@bereal6590]

She is in a position of power with a unique opportunity to teach kids about each others values and cultures. Instead she chooses to squash individuality and inclusion. If she had kids in the school bullying, that was a teaching moment! You don't ban things that never helps anything. If she had bomb threats then you work with the police, you don't punish the kids for it

[@Fightforyourdreams2024]

​@@bereal6590Be real! It's the Muslim parents who are stopping the kids from integrating and going to school. This head teacher is amazing and ahead of her time. Third world mentality has no place in that school or any western school.

[@johnlouw6449]

@@bereal6590 A teaching moment! My goodness that is such a sage comment.

[@bereal6590]

@@Fightforyourdreams2024 by integrating, you mean that they aren't aligning to the views of this woman. News flash a lot of people don't align with her views.

[@bereal6590]

@@johnlouw6449 I shall assume your comment is the lowest form of wit, nice one didn't land

[@tanfosbery1153]

The old saying - Give them an inch and they'll take a mile, comes to mind

[@nishatimbadia1635]

Very much TRUE They believe in maximum child birth to make their population highest what a mentality. We need more women like her.

[@jennybaboolal4777]

This woman is just what schools need.

[@piqueny8872]

Soon they’ll ban Xmas plays cuz it to do with Christianity Or cancel religious studies classes and teach 🌈 classes instead cuz it’s “‘diverse”

[@EVA-ki5vw]

The West is founded by Christians, built by Christians, being run by Christians using Christian Bible inspired laws and theories. There should never be any other religious practice in any institution except for Christianity. PERIOD.

[@carlpeberdy9086]

Religion can generally be relied on to make any given situation worse.

[@alanbeaumont4848]

Give the atheists some credit too.

[@mickeythompson9537]

@@alanbeaumont4848 If you mean Stalin, he had an ideology - and that's just as bad as a religion.

[@carlpeberdy9086]

@@alanbeaumont4848 If they are atheist they have no need to pray and therefore there is no problem - unfortunately human nature is such that there is no shortage of alternative potential problems!

[@carlpeberdy9086]

@@garyfletcher1910 I think that if anybody spoke against the personality cult (effectively a religion) their personal situation would get worse very quickly.

[@Jamie-js3qw]

it was basically a religion, if you substitute god for personality cult, but an interesting point is why communism took root - it had a lot to do with repressing serfs, and I wonder who was doing that?@@mickeythompson9537

[@suzieb8366]

Katharine is a HERO with common sense... I applaud her!

[@jamescook4402]

How can she ban what she can't see . We will still pray b

[@jasc4364]

@@jamescook4402 We know, that's why we should ban any religious pupils and especially Muslims, whether they pray or not.

[@thomashardy7961]

She's a hero only to fools like her.

[@chelseapoet3664]

@jamescook4402 FFS, she said she has no problem with silent prayer. Did you even watch the video?.🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@julietbrathwaite1525]

Congratulations! I admire this head teacher enormously ❤

[@Talk_4_UK]

We live in a society of bullies. Bullies are forcing people to do what they want. Enough of the bullying.

[@serviustullus7204]

Reciprocity and values, and culture and identity. Charity starts at home!

[@galbax1]

If you are in a secular European country, no religious symbols nor acts are necessary. If you are in private (christian or whatever) school, however, deal with it or send your kids elsewhere.

[@bookie5667]

The school is state-funded. Current law requires all state-funded schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to hold daily acts of ‘Collective Worship’. In England and Wales in schools with no formal religious character this worship must be ‘wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character’. In Northern Ireland the requirement is for ‘undenominational’ collective worship.

[@galbax1]

@@bookie5667 IMO time to get rid of these daily acts ... more than overdue.

[@afzalali8787]

Yet The Monarchy Practice It...

[@tomvalentine4928]

@@bookie5667 Thank goodness ! Someone who recognises that it is nonsense to describe any UK state school as secular

[@bookie5667]

@@galbax1 IKR. I never said I agree with it, I'm just stating what the current law says

[@isabelstokes4042]

She's absolutely right. Pray in your own time! Pray in your head - nobody can stop you doing that and you're harming no-one.

[@SedriqMiers]

Such antisocial and intolerable behaviour by indoctrinated children has been allowed to persist by consistent governments that have created the necessary conditions in which ghetto's are formed by having a high concentration of people of a particular faith. Resulting in dogmatic diktats by the minority imposing its will, their sensibilities and cultural norms upon others turning a school into a religious school at whim of the mob. New laws must be introduced for a no nonsense approach which vehemently states that any child or parent exhibiting such behaviour will be relayed to the home office and they will revoke the citizenship's of the family and children resulting in their deporting within 48hrs to Rwanda or from whence they came as well as being issued with a lifetime immigration ban. This is where the state can prevent the ghettoisation of towns and communties across Britain and re-establish order.

[@gordonhutchison9647]

God bless her, and keep her and her family safe.

[@seajay09]

She is a shining example of excellence in her profession ! Lack of integration in society is the one single thing that will finally bring the country down - she is not prepared to compromise on this and put up with intimidation - and rightly so ! Outstanding leader !

[@pearl4124]

What a racist abuser teacher...... She has no right to close the prayer room. She is excessively managing childrens behaviours she has absolute no right to interfere any of the childrens behaviour as it is not harming any one. She clearly hates muslim Non of her business if a girl started to wear a head scarf None of her business if a child start to pray etc. honestly Christians are on and off when it comes to follow the religion the world would be a better place if the professionals can be a professionals ones

[@bereal6590]

She is doing exactly the opposite of what you state. She is making everyone appear to be the same when they're not. That just means those kids see the others as different. Teaching involves understanding and empathy involvement and inclusion. She is doing the exact opposite of what she is saying. If you have a school with lots of different kids and cultures, you have them understand differences as well as similarities

[@heron6462]

@@bereal6590 Rugged individualist here. There are times when it's fine to glory in your differences and there are times when you should simply go with the flow without constantly harping on your separateness and demanding special treatment. Outside of religious or national ceremonies, I don't much like to see special behaviour or attire which announces people's loyalties, mainly mostly they are giving me the answer to a question that I didn't ask. It's a way of 'getting your point in first.'

[@bereal6590]

@@heron6462 agreed to a degree. The problem here is the divisions are vast between a very religious group and non religious group. Integration/multiculturalism does not work if you ignore differences, instead you create 'groups' who don't mix or come together. When people do mix and come together they understand each other better. There is no better environment than during educational years to stop bullying and be inclusive while people are young

[@heron6462]

@@bereal6590 A good point, but it's difficult to ignore differences when people deliberately draw your attention to their differences in an attempt to oblige you to draw too heavily on your default-level friendliness and goodwill. The problem with deeply held national and religious beliefs is that they are not reachable by rational discussion and are often placed as a necessary exception to the everyday social contract.

[@paulhickling4538]

Brilliant lady But this will not stop sadly

[@KevinSheedy10]

She always seems like a control freak fascist to me.

[@giveusanepleasebob992]

​@@KevinSheedy10😂 ok

[@KevinSheedy10]

​@@giveusanepleasebob992Would any normal well balanced person really want to be publicly known as the strictest headteacher in the UK and actually encourage the mantle? She seems to have an enormous ego.

[@Geoduck.]

Bravo! Children actually learn in this school.

[@johnmanley8743]

Good for you, Katherine!

[@iainrae6159]

Brilliant lady and let's hope common sense prevails and she recieves support from the Dept of Education.

[@fayabogush2956]

Common sense left this country. We have followers of one cult ruling the rest of us.

[@pearl4124]

What a racist teacher...... She has no right to close the prayer room. She is excessively managing childrens behaviours she has absolute no right to interfere any of the childrens behaviour as it is not harming any one. She clearly hates muslim Non of her business if a girl started to wear a head scarf None of her business if a child start to pray etc. honestly Christians are on and off when it comes to follow the religion the world would be a better place if the professionals can be a professionals ones

[@ML-xh1go]

If only we could clone this brilliant head teacher and the teachers, Sunak take notice this is GUTS , 👏👏👏👏

[@mjh5437]

I wish she was Prime Minister...If our politicians had as much imagination and guts as her the country wouldn`t have degenerated as fast as it undoubtedly has ever since the 1970s.

[@EVA-ki5vw]

The West is founded by Christians, built by Christians, being run by Christians using Christian Bible inspired laws and theories. There should never be any other religious practice in any institution except for Christianity. PERIOD.

[@explained2434]

Katharine Birbalsingh is the sort of headteacher we need in EVERY UK school IMO.

[@Mike-tb5gj]

Being a cynic, I would be inclined to detect a pattern here! When we view recent "school controversies", or "school incidents", there has been a constant common denominator. I leave the reader to insert, that which they think it might be: ....................

[@Madonnalitta1]

The religion of peace strikes again.

[@mlo886]

What a fantastic headteacher!

[@Fightforyourdreams2024]

Isn't she just! A shining example to all head teachers. And I don't think she is the kind of person to let these morons force her out! I sincerely hope not anyway. That would be absolutely terrible.

[@brianboniface]

What a brilliant and truthful woman keep it up hope it all goes well for you x.

[@scotmacc]

They will continue to push and push until they achieve their Sharia law. With our spineless politicians- especially Labour the Muslim vote counters- it will not be long.

[@ty2124]

Bravo! We must take a stand against these fiends who are threatening our children and teachers and our country and values. This brave lady is an outstanding head teacher and that is why her school is being targeted by islam.

[@lloyddlocks3605]

I love this head teacher !! We need more like her with her strict policies across the UK !! None of this WOKE claptrap …

[@denisehay8895]

What a wonderful woman. It will be a sad day if the High court rules against her. God Bless you Katharine. ❤

[@rogeralsop3479]

Marvellous woman!

[@shimeles.fetene.MENLIK317]

💠📍Bravo ! Miss ⭐️Katharine Birbalsingh, for being a resolute, principled, exemplary Head Teacher, from whom, even the World should learn from. 💠📍 KEEP ON.

[@ianmatlock1]

I'm a retired teacher with nearly 40 years experience and believe that, If we want great education in the UK we need great educational leaders like Katherine. Her way isn't the only waylay any means, but it is her way and it works. parents get a choice. If they don't like it they can walk with their feet.

[@deniscoyne5671]

Well done Katharine, you are an absolute star.

[@Olivia-io9sb]

We have to have leaders who will stop this absurd bigotry. I imagine the people terrorising don't have children in this wonderful school. Where is the support and protection for this woman who does more for democracy than many politicians.

[@wolfgangbaber2976]

Everywhere they go they create havoc

[@pearl4124]

What a racist teacher...... She has no right to close the prayer room. She is excessively managing childrens behaviours she has absolute no right to interfere any of the childrens behaviour as it is not harming any one. She clearly hates muslim Non of her business if a girl started to wear a head scarf None of her business if a child start to pray etc. honestly Christians are on and off when it comes to follow the religion the world would be a better place if the professionals can be a professionals ones

[@kenhutley971]

Most... politicians, may I suggest?

[@bereal6590]

She isn't doing anything for democracy. She isn't ensuring all children are equal in her school. She is the one that's intimidated and then allowing people to alter the lives of the children within her school. Plus she is hiding her own agendas

[@Olivia-io9sb]

@@kenhutley971 oh, be fair Ken, thereare one or two worth their salary.

[@paulinatrzepizur4437]

Amazing. Absolute respect. True Head Teacher

[@jonathanhabens9795]

What an amazing woman - Really passionate about letting the kids connect and grow without restriction.

[@ScragNath]

This lady is legend.

[@vietashroffoliver2521]

Any sensible and fair society would rally round and support this outstanding headmistress

[@TheMegahusky]

@@Besthinktwicedid you not listen?

[@Deanodisco1]

Headteacher should be able to do what she thinks best for the education of the pupils .

[@TheMegahusky]

@@Besthinktwice the school has a policy in place. All the parents knew what they were letting themselves into. If you don't like something just move on to where you'll be much happier. Don't preach to me about an ideology that has no place in England or the uk/Ireland.

[@demeterontheinternet]

@@TheMegahuskyIt’s an Abrahamic religion. Would you prefer neo-paganism? Because it’s been hard to get to the historical roots due to all the destruction of culture. Or Celtic practice? Guess we’re gonna need to get some more big rocks.

[@MusicismoreImportant]

She should speak 🇺🇲🇨🇦

[@Fightforyourdreams2024]

Wonderful Head teacher, very level headed and sensible! All heads should be like this. Sounds like an amazing integrated school! The people causing the trouble with the threats etc should find a Muslim only school for their, kids! But saying that I feel sorry for the children having to move school, also the fact that it sounds like they are being brainwashed and radicalised by their parents. This has be stopped in its tracks, it's ridiculous thats it's allowed to happen in England in 2024. We will end up like a third world country if it's not nipped in the bud!

[@EdGarnham]

What an exceptional headteachr. I left the profession 8 years ago but she could get me back in the classroom. I'd work for her.

[@johnlouw6449]

Respect. A true educationist. She is trying to create an equal playing field🎉

[@moondust1979]

This woman is great.

[@susettemclachlan8765]

She is brilliant. The pupils in her school are fortunate to be there

[@shootthelobster]

Good on Katharine, I hope more head teachers act the same way!

[@ljmrecords2564]

Well done ....❤

[@AWorld180]

There is absolutely no issues with allowing children to pray in their free time - they should not be compelling others to, however.

[@Fightforyourdreams2024]

It's a small school with 350 Muslims! If they were to take up much needed space, like she said it would disrupt other children! And that certainly isn't right or fair. If they want to pray 5 times a day to the invisible man in the sky, then they can pray in their heads.

[@Saquavious]

@@Fightforyourdreams2024you cant “pray in your head” in islam maybe do some research before yapping online

[@Hs-iy7ix]

Stay home and do your prayers, bloody nonsense people

[@AWorld180]

@@Hs-iy7ix why at home though? Why not in school or work. It’s 5 min and bothers nobody, except you apparently

[@bahialynch3037]

I absolutely agree in a multicultural society schools university and in fact public spaces should remain secular. Islam allows worshippers to pray at a later time. Those people who says otherwise have a hidden political agenda.

[@sallyyeomans3456]

Head teachers need to take a leaf out of this lady's book. This is what a head teacher is about. Being in charge and acting rightly. Kids are at school to learn. If non Christians are against how our system works. Stay where you are or go to another Muslim country to live. She gets my support 100%.

[@alanbeaumont4848]

I'm surprised the playground is visible from the street, most schools screen them.

[@dooddirl1]

Wow...Take a Bow Katharine..... take a bow!! 👌🪐☀

[@briansheehan4726]

I'd send my child to her school anyday What a sensible lady Please don't ever give in to the haters.you're a very kind person with a big ❤🙂🇬🇧

[@neildodsworth48]

That is a strong lady at an amazing school doing wondrous things that will benefit our society. I hope those with issues watch this and realise there is a middle way. Good luck.

[@StreetsOfRage2]

I stand with Katherine.

[@tareqmahmud4004]

Me too..

[@giveusanepleasebob992]

And me.

[@mentality-monster]

In a youtube comments section, you brave soul 🤣(souls don't exist.)

[@rumariyah4750]

Katherine has the right to defend herself From her own lies

[@StratsRUs]

Anonymously

[@user-om4il5xn8w]

Good for her School is for children to learn.

[@sorasasa]

And the transgenger in the school, its okay?

[@user-om4il5xn8w]

​@@sorasasa No that shouldn't be anywhere near a school and children just as Islam should not be involved in a School unless it is a Religious school.

[@celiabarrett2107]

She is very balanced. Good attitude. As she points out nobody is forced to go to the school.

[@sweeneyadair2952]

Brave , Honest and Creative Woman...needs all the support 'we' can give her.

[@andrewhotston983]

Bomb threats, intimidation and the religion of peace...

[@jennybaboolal4777]

She said the threats were not from parents of the children

[@UltimatePiccolo]

She said it was from outside. So atheists.

[@andrewhotston983]

@@jennybaboolal4777 So? They weren't from the Salvation Army, were they?

[@Scribemo]

They were anti-black racists. Chances are, they were right-wing white people.

[@conservativevalues1814]

@@UltimatePiccololmao….from atheists

[@Permissiontospk]

Very intelligent head- children really need times when they’re not allowed to talk. No longer having these has brought many schools down. Even two minutes enforced silence per day improves their ability to concentrate, it calms them down and makes them feel secure and more centred. Possibly one reason why UK lags behind other nations in education results from schools.

[@norota8188]

That is exactly what prayer does. A moment of peace where the only thing on your mind is God, and no peer pressure or stress or anxiety affect you

[@DM-vq8ux]

Not every time. It can be difficult to concentrate on talking to God when you are feeling vulnerable because people can see and no one else is doing it - especially for teens. Plus its volitional - as it should be - whereas imposed silence is a mandatory obedience to authority - that's good for children. (NB I pray a lot and wouldn't live without it) Just think its so important to get back to children 'doing as they're told' instead of this being imposed on adults and not on children - adults should be free to make their own decisions, but children are not just 'mini adults' and should not. @norota8188

[@kdog4587]

Have you been to a school in Europe? Have you seen especially, how nordic kids are treated at school? They constantly perform way better than us, and they dont force silence on corridors and zero free time. This is such a weird way of treating kids, back to seen and not heard.

[@louiseadkins3294]

There is no place for religion in schools . A line needs to be drawn. Well done to this brave Headteacher.

[@sandytatham3592]

Please don’t let this Trojan Horse into the school! If you give in to the bullying this time, the Muslim families will demand you make more changes to suit their ideology. I’m thinking about UK upholding freedom of speech.

[@ANEEAMA]

Ya, a kid praying is against freedom of speech! Freedom of speech is respecting everyone's speech, not a specific narrative.

[@ANEEAMA]

@@Besthinktwice Freedom of speech is agreeing to disagree, pragmatism, not dogmatism. Secularism is freedom to practice any religion without showing Bias, however, not to incline to any religion (French secularism is exception). Freedom of speech must guarantee to express the opinion of a religious person and secular person.

[@ANEEAMA]

@Besthinktwice Freedom of speech means people should be allowed to express themselves in ways you disagree, i.e praying to a God you don´t believe in" Freedom to express your opinion is different from imposing your idea on others. You can believe your opinion without curtailing a student's right to pray. Similarly, a religious person has no right to forcefully say a secular person to worship God. Here, the student did not impose the head teacher to pray, but the head-teacher is using her power to prevent her right to worship.

[@vanessavonhagen3296]

Give the kids a choice to eat meat an fish

[@aosa1238]

That works the other way around too. Enforcement of non-faith is also corrosion

[@maneshipocrates2264]

Great decision. Pray in your hearts and heads. No need to tell anyone you are praying. Her model can be used in many areas and situations.

[@sitruchtims9392]

Muslims must follow strict rules when prayering. Like washing, pray mats and facing a certain direction. This is simply aimed at hating. ona particular group. She knows for a fact this only affects muslims.

[@maneshipocrates2264]

Then pray at the mosque and at home. This is not hate. Why do we always have to make it convenient for muslims everywhere? Live in a country with a muslim majority and see if they give a damn about anyone else.@@sitruchtims9392

[@TimmsMJ]

Then they can choose to go to a different school. All schools have their rules, choose one that suits you and your child. Accusing this lady of 'hate', sending threats to her person...that's not a nice way to behave.@@sitruchtims9392

[@555frontier]

@@sitruchtims9392they can always move to another country

[@SovCitRampage]

sure, they have strict rules when they want to rant, like catholics, using religion a 'la carte'@@sitruchtims9392

[@linoportelli8240]

She needs to be in a leadership role. Most leaders today foment division. She nurtures actual unity.

[@nadyayurukova]

Being a freedom loving and very liberal in my thoughts and actions, I totally support this woman. Learning how to learn, making decisions, obtaining a sense of discipline - all that is necessary for true freedom and liberty of a person and I sincerely regret not getting enough of that in my school years. It wasn't my family's fault, it's just all we had in our reach. But if I was a teacher I'd choose a school like her's because it really optimises the good influence of an knowledgeable adult over a child. Makes the job a calling with a great purpose. It's a process, no miracle business.

[@Dimensionalalteration]

Then you are not as you claim to be , freedom loving and liberal , you are the opposite

[@Shadrach666]

If you go to a secular school - perhaps there should perhaps be no demonstration of religious rituals on the premises at all?

[@prideofdurham4776]

Why are secular schools dictating what OUR Christian schools should and shouldnt do? What happened to "Houses" and school sport days was only the beginning to total wokeness.

[@imperialofficer6185]

Secularism exists for the express purpose of allowing all members the freedom of conscience to pursue goodness heartily, not ban the pursuit of goodness

[@fionaowen5164]

@@prideofdurham4776 strange thing is fajr morning prayer can be prayed at home before school zuhr and asr prayers can be combined so those two prayers are late afternoon then magrib that is sunset is prayed at home and Isha the night prayer the same it is permissable to sit quietly to pray just moving ones hands without letting others to be aware as for the headscarf it's recommended from when child is young But not compulsory It is highly recommended once child attains puberty it is up to each family many Muslim women do. Not cover untill after marriage

[@beaulieuc8910]

agreed

[@fionaowen5164]

@@beaulieuc8910 working on the prayer times that alter slightly over the year one can still complete ones prayers without a prayer room if desired there's obviously wudu ablutions but I guess they got that figured out already

[@bjrnhjjakobsen2174]

I admire the lady who protects the kids from adult complexity.

[@angieogden2308]

We all need to fight against this insanity

[@angieogden2308]

@@Lena-zc1we what you on about

[@freddiebiscuit9703]

Katherine Birbalsingh is nothing more than a decent headmistress doing her job. ALL my teachers and the head along with her deputy were like this and it did us no harm whatsoever. We learned that everything in this life comes with consequences for good or bad that respect is earned and that not everyone is going to be the winner simply be just being there because life is not always fair.

[@aspetm3846]

Well done and great salute to Katharine, as a open minded and person who is focusing to kids education and well being.

[@linm9598]

Total respect to you! A schools primary duty is to give a rounded education to our children. We are a Christian country anyway, not to be invaded by radical muslims, so if these parents want a school of faith then go elsewhere!!

[@AWorld180]

And in most school you have attend church or sing hymns… you’re actually just racist

[@davidpearson243]

We are not a Christian country The last census 52% were non religious

[@BubbleGendut]

How can it be a Christian country when only 5% of the population go to church. Uk is secular

[@KevinSheedy10]

True colour revealed right there. We are not a Christian country any more. The majority of people are not Christians.

[@AWorld180]

@@BubbleGendut point is, it’s not bigoted like France, let people practice their faith in peace so long as there is NO compulsion

[@annademo]

Kudos to this outstanding headmistress. Create a top level school, lay down the rules and if parents don't like the rules, they can take send children elsewhere. The free market in education. What a novel idea!

[@RR-us2kp]

Can we keep religion out of schools completely? If religion is a right, children should have the right to refuse as well. But they have to follow their parents religion at home and the community's religion at school

[@R.Iamondi]

That is the school I would want my children to attend. A lady with wisdom.

[@adama8570]

No children should be exposed to religious nonsense OF ANY KIND! Teach them respect for human lives and natural science, not existential confusion and compulsive religious ideas! It is largely about power, fear, brainwashing and tragically people ending up killing eachother

[@nicolajohnson1887]

Religion is childish I'm embarrassed for anyone who buying into it.

[@daisybee5943]

​@nicolajohnson1887 you two are brainwashed.

[@engineeredlifeform]

It's the law that there are acts of religious worship our schools though. It has to be Christian indoctrination. Banning other religions prayers is racist.

[@2222quinny]

@@nicolajohnson1887 so is western culture, but here we are not knowing what a real man or women is, teaching our children that men can menstrate. I'm embarrassed of that we need get our own house in order.

[@richardbruce8111]

WONDERFUL WOMAN THIS IS HOW & WHY "WESTERN" METHOD WORKS,SHE IS HONEST!

[@jonathanwarne3480]

Nice to see someone standing up to extremism. Shame that none of the political parties are willing to.

[@myrahouse2368]

Give an Inch a mile will be taken….. over & over

[@andreaconroy3623]

This Headteacher is a very successful one - she should be allowed to carry on running her school her way. If there are any parents of children at her school who do not like that then they have the choice to take their child away from that school and find one more suited to their needs. END OF STORY.

[@geoffpoole483]

The families know the school's ethos and policies before signing on the dotted line, so to speak. The issue of a prayer room can be dealt with via dialogue.

[@user-ld8du6dn1n]

Thank you Mrs .Teacher!💯 ❤ You made what he majority compromised to do for years. 💯

[@free_wifihesinnocent5553]

The tabloids would have gone bonkers if it was a Christian student

[@jamesmichaels4979]

Not true. Christianity is forever based in Britain

[@chad0x]

@@jamesmichaels4979 not Rome or Vatican City then?

[@melmatrix8212]

It’s a Christian country.. Muslims nations have thier rules so do we .. if you don’t like you know what to do

[@thesaucegroup1877]

​​@@jamesmichaels4979not even close hahahahaha Jesus came to israel

[@colinburns9736]

Excellence on display here. Smart assertive articulate teacher who could teach any of my kids any day. And an interviewer who listened (maybe let her use the building limitation story a bit too much) and facilitated an intelligent conversation. Facts. Specifics. Details. Options considered. Decisions made in balanced way and then explained well. Thank you both.