In ‘Britain’s strictest school’, where pupils sing the national anthem and can’t sit with friends at lunch

Reciting poetry at lunchtime, singing the national anthem, restrictions on socialising, silent corridors and constant surveillance are part of the “unique ethos” of a school dubbed Britain’s strictest, a judge said.

The high-performing Michaela Community School in Brent, north-west London, hit the headlines earlier this year after a Muslim pupil took a High Court challenge against an allegedly discriminatory ban on prayer rituals.

The school defended itself against the claim, arguing that it was free to take that stance amid death and bomb threats related to religious observance at the site. A decision is due on Tuesday, April 16.

READ MORE: The full list of London schools that are the hardest to get into

Details of Michaela’s practices and “ultra-strict enforcement” of the rules of conduct were revealed by lawyers during the hearing of the student’s legal challenge. Here are some of the strictest practices:

The head, Katharine Birbalsingh, has been described as Britain’s strictest headmistress. The high-profile school leader has attracted much media attention over the years for his outspoken views on education and “woke” culture.

“Family Lunch”, reciting poetry and singing the national anthem

At lunchtime, children cannot choose where to sit in the school halls, but are assigned to tables of six according to year and form.

The former sit behind the chairs and sing poetry from memory, and a teacher sets a mandatory conversation topic for the students to discuss. The aim is to “develop the ability to converse at a table”.

Children also have set roles, such as collecting food or cleaning tables. Only vegetarian food is served to avoid division along racial or religious lines.

Students are also required to sing the national anthem twice a week.

Michaela “dot”

Students must end every interaction with teachers with “Sir” or “Miss.”

“Tracking” in lessons and “constant supervision”

Under the tracking system, students “must pay constant attention” to the teacher during lessons. There is no time during class for children to socialize with others.

Teachers are specially placed in corridors, stairs and at the toilet door to supervise children during breaks.

Silence in the corridors

Students move through the school’s narrow corridors in single file and in silence and can only recognize the staff.

“The rule of four, no more”

Groups of more than four students are not allowed, including in the school yard.

The aim is to prevent social exclusion, with the school claiming “bullying is virtually unheard of”.

Efforts to “aggressively promote inclusion” include teachers actively intervening in schoolyard conversations and games to ensure students don’t feel left out.

A strict uniform policy

A navy blue blazer, tie and bag bearing the school logo is mandatory. Jewelery and make-up are prohibited and hairstyles must be ‘appropriate’.

All children have identical clear plastic boxes to carry their belongings in and a branded water bottle. Certain religious attire is allowed, such as the headscarf.

Only certain items may be carried by students, all others are prohibited. Phones seen or heard are confiscated until the end of the half term.

According to the student’s lawyers, students are not allowed to wear coats, even in the winter when they have to go outside in the cold.

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