Girls as young as four are being ‘forced’ into wearing hijabs in the classroom as part of the compulsory uniform of state-funded Islamic schools, campaigners warn

• Hijab appears to be compulsory in eight English schools, including 3 primaries

• Critics of the hijab argue the headscarf encourages the sexualisation of children

• The National Secular Society has sent their findings to the education secretary

Girls as young as four are being ‘forced’ to wear the hijab at state-funded Islamic schools, campaigners have warned.

In eight schools in England, including three primary schools, the hijab appears to be compulsory, according to research carried out by the National Secular Society.

Critics say the headscarf encourages the sexualisation of children because it is usually worn in front of men as a sign of modesty when girls reach puberty.

A further 51 private Islamic schools of the 176 surveyed said it is compulsory for female pupils to wear the hijab, reports the Sunday Times, while 18 said wearing it was optional.

And on the website of one school it says the face must be covered outside school, not just in class.

A Bradford school also says it is compulsory. The National Secular Society has sent their findings to the education secretary, Justine Greening.

They have asked if school inspectors can do more to make sure pupils from Muslim backgrounds can have more choice in their uniform…