The Michaela Community School in Wembley, North London is, by many metrics, a success story. But right now the school and its erudite headteacher, Katherine Birbalsingh, are facing renewed criticism, intimidation and legal challenge after a conflict with pupils over group prayer “rituals” at break time.
The Catholic onlooker at this drama is left in a precarious position and with mixed loyalties. To explain why we can understand the grievance of both the children and the school, and yet find the course of action taken by each side's representatives undesirable, the particular case of Michaela and 21st-century Britain must first be unpacked.
