Teachers are gagged over Islamist plot for schools

DOZENS of teachers pushed out of schools by an alleged Islamist takeover plot are too afraid to speak out because of gagging orders, it has been claimed.

Birmingham MP Khalid Mahmood said at least ten teachers told him they were made to sign agreements offering cash in return for their silence.

The latest allegation of the socalled ‘Trojan Horse’ plot – whereby Muslim extremists infiltrate state schools and run them according to Islamic principles – was made last night as Ofsted announced inspections at a further three schools, bringing the total to 21. Birmingham City Council is also investigating 25 schools.

Mr Mahmood said: ‘A lot of people are still not speaking, even in private, because they are frightened of what may happen. They think if they come forward they will lose their pay-off or pensions and are worried they will then not be able to teach.’

Last night, the National Association of Head Teachers warned that it had ‘serious concerns’ about attempts to ‘alter the character’ of at least six schools. It also warned that extremists’ efforts to infiltrate schools were not limited to Birmingham.

A source from one of the schools affected said: ‘A lot of teachers who leave are being bullied and harassed. The threat of taking away a reference can be worse than a monetary threat as they are worried their career will be affected.’