But as morning broke yesterday, staff arriving at the school in Brent, north London, were overjoyed that their application for grant maintained status had been accepted. We have suffered many disappointments, but it has been well worthwhile. The school, which has 180 pupils, operates a strict Islamic code which has been combined with the national curriculum.
Girls wear the Islamic headscarf, the hijab, and school stops for midday and afternoon prayers.
Holidays fit around the Islamic calendar, and all pupils attend Koran and Arabic classes. Britain has around 60 Muslim schools, all privately operated. The advantage of state funding, claims Ms Monie, is that it will allow the school to expand. At present fees are pounds 2,000 per pupil, but there are subsidies for less well off parents. We are happy that recognition has been given to Muslim schools and the contribution they can make to this country.