Top London school taken to high court over prayer ban

The Michaela community school in north-west London said threats have been made against the school. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

One of England’s highest performing state schools, famed for its top results, strict discipline code and charismatic headteacher, has been challenged in the high court for its policy of banning prayer rituals on school premises.

The case against Michaela community school in Brent, north-west London, has been brought by one of its Muslim pupils, who claims the ban is discriminatory.