Fears provoke introduction of counter-extremism measures

Formerly known as Bethnal Green Technology College, the school was recognised in 2012 by the Education Business Awards for its outstanding progress in secondary education. Rated as 'outstanding' in its 2012 Ofsted review, Bethnal Green Academy has begun providing weekly talks for parents concerning the issue of extremism. Many parents have also initiated holding their own meetings to discuss Islamic fundamentalism at the school. However, reports claim that the efforts made by the school are merely 'papering over the cracks' and have called for a thorough investigation. The Department for Education said officers from its 'due diligence and counter-extremism division' will investigate the potential extremism links.

The reports follow recently published details in which five girls - three of whom were 16 and two of whom were 15 - from Bethnal Green Academy, were made wards of court and had their passports removed, banning them from leaving the country. Although the identities of the girls remain undisclosed, the fact that they attended the same school as the three girls who are believed to have travelled to Syria last month, was argued as in the public interest and was revealed.

Mr Justice Hayden, who ruled on the ward of court cases, said that the risk of teenagers travelling to Syria was 'as grave as it can be'. He said: "Sometimes the law has to intervene to protect these young people, ultimately from themselves. Therefore I am satisfied there is evidence of sufficient cogency and the evaluation of risk is such as to justify the orders sought."