Description
Book SynopsisIn 2014 the `Trojan Horse' affair, an alleged plot to `Islamify' several state schools in Birmingham, caused a previously highly successful school to be vilified. Holmwood and O'Toole challenge the accepted narrative and show how it was used to justify an intrusive counter extremism agenda.
Trade Review"A compelling alternative analysis of the `Trojan Horse’ affair, shining much-needed light on a serious but neglected vector of educational inequality in the UK." Reza Gholami, University of Birmingham
“This highly engaging book charts the pervasive and politically motivated racialization of Muslim communities in Britain today. Detailed in its use of evidence and comprehensive in its analysis, it should be compulsory reading for everybody interested in the working of the state.” Nasar Meer, University of Edinburgh
"Makes for important reading not only to rectify the injustices committed in the unfolding of the affair, but as part of the continued debate on what values should be promoted in schools, how these values should be interpreted, and their compatibility with religious expression." Journal of Education Policy
“An assiduous, impeccably researched account of the events that took place in Birmingham….utterly devastating reading. I cannot recommend it strongly enough." Peter Oborne, journalist.
Table of ContentsIntroduction: A plot to Islamicise schools? Part 1: Context `British values’ and community cohesion Prevent: from hearts and minds to muscular liberalism Community cohesion, schooling and Prevent Religious education, collective worship and publicly funded education Governance, school reform and change management Part 2: The case Introducing the case Enter Ofsted The Clarke and Kershaw Reports The NCTL hearings and their collapse Conclusion: Lessons from the Trojan Horse affair
