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Bury primary pupils try hijabs during religious education lesson
At least 14 pupils, believed to be about six years old, wore hijabs after a religious education lesson at Ribble Drive Primary School in Bury. The activity has prompted disagreement about how schools should teach religious traditions and whether young children should try on religious clothing.
Councillor Shadman Zaman said six parents or guardians had raised concerns, including that children might see the clothing as dress-up and be too young to consent. Headteacher Melanie Kobak said pupils had asked to try the garments and were not made to wear them; she also said one parent had expressed unhappiness after the activity. The school said parents may withdraw children from religious education, and no such requests had been received.
In short
- At least 14 young pupils wore hijabs after a religious education lesson.
- A councillor said six families had raised concerns.
- The headteacher said pupils chose to try on the clothing.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Letting pupils try a hijab voluntarily can make a lesson about Islam more tangible, helping young children understand a religious practice through experience rather than description alone. If the activity is age-appropriate, clearly explained and respectful, it may encourage curiosity and familiarity with a tradition they encounter in their community.
The case against
At around six, children may not fully understand the religious significance of a hijab or feel able to decline an activity suggested by adults. Trying on religious clothing could therefore blur learning with dress-up or make families feel their beliefs are being treated lightly; schools should take care to explain the practice and consider parental concerns.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Fury after six-year-old pupils wear Islamic dress at primary school”.