Full Breakdown
Barnet Hill Academy’s Hijab Uniform Policy Sparks Legal and Political Challenge
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Barnet Hill Academy, a primary school in north London that recently became state-funded, requires girls identified as Muslim to wear a white hijab from Year 3 (approximately age seven). The policy has been referred to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) amid accusations that it discriminates on the basis of religion and gender and may breach UK equality law.
Background & Context
The academy, formerly an independent school, converted to voluntary-aided status at the start of September, receiving local-authority funding while retaining control over its religious ethos. Barnet Council approved the conversion after a statutory consultation that, according to the council, received “overwhelmingly” supportive feedback and no objections. The borough’s 2021 census data show Muslims comprise 12 % of residents, making it the third-largest faith group after Christians (37 %) and Jews (15 %). Barnet already hosts a range of faith-based schools, including Church of England, Catholic, Jewish and Greek Orthodox institutions.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
- Education Secretary Lucy Powell: Reported being in “close touch” with the school, noting the academy clarified that the hijab “was not compulsory.”
- Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy: Stated she supports schools setting their own uniform policies provided they are “fair and affordable,” and that the government typically does not intervene in such matters.
Criticism & Opposition
- Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott: Called the requirement “outrageous” and urged an urgent EHRC investigation, questioning whether families have a genuine choice over religious dress.
- National Secular Society (NSS): In a joint letter signed by 12 groups, the NSS argued the policy conflicts with British values and children’s rights to freedom of religion or belief, personal autonomy, and equal treatment regardless of sex.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Compulsory vs. Optional: Lucy Powell’s comment and the school’s updated uniform guidance assert the hijab is “not compulsory,” yet the council’s statement and the shadow ministers’ letters maintain that the requirement applies to all girls classified as Muslim, leaving uncertainty over how the school determines religious identity and whether genuine parental choice exists.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are alarmed that Barnet Council and the Secretary of State for Education approved these faith schools to convert from independent status to state-funded, despite these sexist, divisive and regressive dress codes.” — Megan Manson
- “It is outrageous that a state-funded school is forcing girls, some as young as seven years old, to wear hijabs,” — Ms Trott, shadow education secretary
What’s Next
The EHRC has been asked to examine whether Barnet Hill Academy’s uniform policy complies with equality and human-rights obligations. The outcome of that investigation will determine if the school must amend its dress code or face possible legal action.