It comes as Katharine Birbalsingh, the Government’s former social mobility tsar known as Britain’s strictest headteacher, is facing a High Court challenge from a Muslim pupil over a prayer “ban” at Michaela school, which she runs.
Lion Academy Trust, which runs Barclay Primary School, sent a letter to all parents on Jan 10, warning that measures were being taken “to secure the school for the benefit of children and staff” amid “despicable threats”.
It said that over the Christmas period, “a serious threat was received in writing” and shared with police, and that on Jan 9, an anonymous caller “made a series of racial slurs and a further threat to commit criminal damage (arson) against the school and to individual staff”.
‘Option of last resort’
The new measures being taken include hiring private security, securing additional support from the Metropolitan Police, closing the main reception, and installing CCTV.
The trust added that further measures, including a return to online learning, were being considered.
“If this situation does not revert to a normal mode of operation or should the trust believe that despite these measures, the safety of children or staff cannot be assured, then we will – with limited notice – close the school and revert to online learning for as long as we believe it is necessary,” the trust wrote.
It added: “This is the option of last resort – but please be aware that should staff continue to be threatened – then we will have no option but to close the school.
“Additionally, if any parent or individual is proven to be involved in instigating this campaign against the school, via their actions online or in-person, we will act to ban those individuals from attending the site(s).”
On Jan 8, Justin James, executive headteacher of Barclay Primary School, also wrote to parents saying that no evidence to support any allegations of bullying or misconduct had been found through neither an external nor internal investigation.
Parents pushing a ‘political agenda’
“Staff have been subject to a severe degree of misconduct and harassment which now forms the basis of a series of criminal investigations that are currently taking place,” he added.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a concerned staff member at Barclay Primary School said: “Barclay Primary School is currently being targeted by a group of parents who are pushing a political agenda and accusations of Islamophobia by not adhering to the schools uniform policy.
“Staff are being intimidated, bullied, abused, threatened and confronted as a result of misinformation and manipulation of the trust for this agenda.”
“I personally, am scared for my safety and all staff within the school,” they said.
“I am shocked that this is happening to a primary school. I chose to work at this school because it is one of the best in the country and I value its dedication and hard work. What has been happening is unacceptable for the staff and children - no school should be subjected to this.
Barclay Primary School and Lion Academy Trust were contacted for comment.
