Weston Secondary School has come under scrutiny after a letter sent to parents outlined arrangements for Muslim students to take
a day off to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr on Monday, 31 March. The school has defended its decision, stating that the policy follows guidance for religious observance and is consistent with national education guidelines.
The letter, signed by Mr. T Maguire, the school’s EAL (English as an Additional Language) Coordinator, specifies that Muslim students only are entitled to one day off to celebrate Eid and are expected to return to school on Tuesday, 1 April. The school confirmed this decision had been made in consultation with Imams from Medina Mosque.
The message has prompted concern from some members of the community who have questioned whether similar allowances are extended to students of other faiths, including Christian, Jewish, and Hindu pupils.
Calls for Equality Across Faiths
Some parents and local residents have expressed unease, arguing that the move creates a sense of two-tier education and alleged that other religious groups may not receive the same consideration for their holy days.
One parent wrote online:
“We fully respect Eid and the importance of religious holidays, but there must be parity for all students of faith. Our Christian children aren’t given time off for Good Friday unless it’s already a national holiday, and Hindu festivals like Diwali aren’t automatically acknowledged either.”
However, education policy experts have pointed out that schools can authorise religious observance leave under government guidance. Most schools allow pupils of all faiths to request time off for major religious holidays, but typically only one day is granted unless under exceptional circumstances.
School’s Stance
In the letter, Weston Secondary School reassures families that prayer spaces will be made available during lunch for students choosing to remain in school during Eid. They also outlined respectful guidelines for using those spaces, such as removing shoes and keeping the area clean and tidy.
The school added:
“At Weston Secondary School, we recognise that many of our families will be celebrating Eid-al-Fitr… All students participating in this religious celebration will be expected back in school from Tuesday, 1 April.”
Broader Debate on Inclusivity in Schools
The situation has reignited broader conversations about religious inclusivity in education, and whether schools across the UK are equally recognising and supporting all cultural and religious practices.
A spokesperson from the Hamwic Education Trust, which oversees the school, has not yet commented publicly on the concerns but is expected to issue a response amid rising public interest.
The Department for Education guidance states that schools are permitted to authorise leave for religious observance, provided it does not exceed the allowed number of absences and is communicated clearly to parents.
