Barking school apologises after pupil put up 'art project' banner calling for hijab to be banned

An Essex school says they are "extremely sorry" after a GCSE student put up a banner which called for hijabs to be banned. The banner was put up by a Year 10 pupil at Greatfields School in Barking as part of an art project, they said.

The banner, which was hung on metal railings in the school's courtyard area, read "Ban the Hijab". A hijab is conventionally worn by Muslim women. Almost one in four people in Barking and Dagenham are Muslim according to ONS Census figures.

A video of the banner shared on social media has received almost 200,000 plays and hundreds of comments. Students can be seen approaching the banner which is also visible from flats surrounding the school.

Read more: Pub owner says Taylor Swift's mention of pub on new album has been 'whirlwind' for staff

Read more: Chainsaw-wielding police raid Harlow homes and seize Class A drugs, cash and weapons

Greatfields School said the banner was put up in the school's playground and was "meant to generate debate" and "not be offensive in any way.

A spokesperson for the school said: “This was an ill-judged decision and as soon as staff were made aware the banner was removed immediately as this was not sanctioned by the school. We would like to make it absolutely clear that we are an inclusive school, and this does not represent the views of the school and for this we are extremely sorry and apologise for any harm this may have caused.

"This matter is being fully investigated by the school, and once again we would like to apologise for the hurt and offence caused."

Greatfields is a secondary school on Net Street in Barking. It has almost 1,000 students according to the Department for Education and was graded Good by Ofsted inspectors in 2019.

The Department for Education was contacted for a comment. They had not responded at the time of publication.

Get more news from EssexLive straight to your inbox for FREE