Education bosses in Bradford say none of its schools are being investigated over an alleged hardline Muslim plot to force out governors and headteachers despite claims the issue was affecting the city.
The leader of Birmingham City Council, which is investigating 200 complaints in relation to the Operation Trojan Horse allegations, says his officers had spoken to authorities in Bradford and Manchester about the problem. Sir Albert Bore said: “There are certainly issues in Bradford which have similarities with the issues being spoken about in Birmingham.”
There are now 25 schools under investigation in Birmingham after an anonymous letter claimed a small but radical group of Muslims were pursuing their own agenda in the classrooms, with uncooperative headteachers and governors forced out. The council’s investigation, running in parallel to a separate inquiry by the Department for Education, is due to initially report back in May.
Michael Jameson, strategic director of children’s services at Bradford Council, said the authority and West Yorkshire Police were aware of the claims made “several months ago”. He said: “We work very closely with West Yorkshire Police and will continue to liaise regarding any potential issues that may arise locally. No schools in Bradford are being specifically investigated in relation to the allegations made in the Trojan Horse letter.
“The council’s primary concern is always the education of all the children in Bradford’s schools. If the council has any concerns about the effectiveness of a governing body, we will act quickly and appropriately to help that school make rapid progress in improving the education experience and outcomes for its pupils.”