Muslim school faces poor Ofsted rating

Reports emerged yesterday that Al-Madinah school in Derby, which has faced accusations of introducing strict religious practices, is likely to be given the lowest rating – as the school announced it will reopen on Monday.

Interim Principal Stuart Wilson took the decision to close the school on Tuesday on health and safety grounds after inspectors shared their initial findings with him.

In a statement on Al-Madinah school’s website yesterday, Mr Wilson said the “urgent” issues had been “fully addressed” and the school would open as normal next week.

He added: “The full findings of the inspection team will be published by Ofsted, in accordance with the time-scales laid down by them for all schools, which will be in the next few weeks.”

A Department for Education spokesman said: “We are waiting for Ofsted’s final report and considering all legal options.”