Birmingham school governor denies 'Trojan Horse' plot claims

A governor at a Birmingham school which is alleged to be the target of an "Islamic takeover plot" has described the claims as a "witch hunt".

David Hughes, a governor at Park View School, defended it against what he said were "unfounded attacks".The Department for Education (DfE) is investigating 12 schools over the alleged plot.

On Tuesday, 10 Birmingham MPs asked Education Secretary Michael Gove to complete the probe more quickly.

A so-called "Operation Trojan Horse" letter claimed responsibility for leadership changes at four Birmingham schools, but its authenticity has not been established.
'No complaints'

Mr Hughes, who describes himself as a "white, practising Anglican Christian", has been a governor at the Alum Rock school for more than 15 years.

"In all my time as a governor we have not received a single complaint about 'extremism' or 'radicalism'.

"If we had we would have investigated it openly and thoroughly," he said.

Ofsted has confirmed it is carrying out a number of snap inspections at Birmingham schools, including Park View, at the request of the DfE.

Mr Hughes said he suspected the school would receive a negative Ofsted report, despite previously being rated as "outstanding".

He added: "The revisit of the inspection team gave every indication of having no wish other than to condemn the school - even the outstanding features.

"Are there areas to improve at the school? Yes of course, as there are at most schools."
'Fictitious allegations'

Last week Michael White, a former teacher at Park View School, said he was dismissed in 2003 after raising concerns about extremism among governors.

But Mr Hughes dismissed the claims, saying "at no time" during a disciplinary panel had Mr White raised concerns.

He said some former staff members were "smearing" the school and "sharing fictitious allegations".

The allegations were "socially divisive and dangerous for a settled, stable, multi-cultural Birmingham," he said.

Birmingham City Council has said it is continuing to investigate the allegations and cannot comment further.