A London-based primary school requiring female pupils as young as seven to wear hijabs has drawn criticism and calls for investigation over potential legal breaches. Barnet Hill Academy, a newly established state-funded Islamic faith school, mandates that girls in Year 3 and above wear a white hijab as part of their uniform, a policy that has prompted concern over possible discrimination and human rights violations.

Laura Trott, shadow education secretary, described the policy as "outrageous" and suggested it may contravene the law. She and Joy Morrissey, shadow equalities minister, have urged the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to examine the situation and determine whether the school and Barnet Council have acted unlawfully. They argue that no child, regardless of their religious background, should be compelled to cover their head based on the school they attend.

The hijab, a headscarf worn by many Muslim women and girls as an expression of modesty and faith, is listed in Barnet Hill Academy’s uniform policy alongside typical school attire such as cardigans and black shoes. The school educates children aged three to eleven and in its published guidelines initially required female students from Year 3 to wear the headscarf. Critics contend this places pressure on young girls identified by school officials as Muslim, limiting individual and family choice.

In response to the criticism, Education Secretary Lucy Powell stated she had engaged closely with the school, which clarified that the hijab is not compulsory for non-Muslim pupils. Following public backlash, Barnet Hill Academy added a note on its website emphasizing that non-Muslim students are not required to wear the hijab. However, the shadow ministers maintain that the rule remains effectively mandatory for girls the school classifies as Muslim, with no opt-out option for them or their families.

In a letter addressed to the EHRC, Ms. Trott and Ms. Morrissey pointed out that the policy’s religious classification system effectively determines uniform obligations, thereby raising concerns about discrimination and freedom of choice. They insisted that the compulsory nature of the hijab for Muslim girls from a young age warrants investigation.

Barnet Council, meanwhile, said it conducted due diligence discussions with the school regarding the uniform policy. A council spokesman stated that the school was explicit that the hijab requirement does not apply to non-Muslim pupils and that this clarification was reflected in the online policy.

The EHRC has yet to comment on whether it will open a formal investigation into the matter. The controversy highlights ongoing debates over religious expression, school uniform policies, and the rights of young students within faith-based educational settings in the UK.