A headteacher’s claims of a “Trojan Horse” Islamic takeover of a primary school in Oldham have “no basis”, a council inquiry has found.
Trish O’Donnell, head of Clarksfield Primary School, Oldham, also claimed she was physically assaulted and had received death threats from people who wanted to impose conservative Islamic values and wanted her out.
The headteacher also reported threats to blow up her car, according to a report by Oldham Council, and believed her position was untenable and a ‘Trojan Horse’ agenda was underway.
Oldham Council said it investigated the claims made in December but concluded, in a confidential report leaked to the Sunday Times, it had “no concerns” about any schools.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, cabinet member for education and early years, said: “The report into an Oldham primary school found no basis to ‘Trojan Horse’ allegations.”
The Sunday Times story also referred to a counter-extremism official raising concerns over two other schools in Oldham – Horton Mill and Oldham Academy North.
Chadderton added: “At this time, we also have no active investigations or concerns about any of the other schools the Sunday Times has asked about.”
According to Sunday Times article, Islamic teaching sessions were hosted on school premises, a parents’ petition was started against the headteacher and objections were raised to activities, including Hindi music being played in class and sex education.
There are over 450 pupils in the school, predominantly of Pakistani heritage. The school is rated as “good” by Ofsted.
