Non-faith School Shuts for Islamic Holiday

Dean Logan, Headteacher

EXPRESS: HUNDREDS of non-Muslim pupils are having a three-day holiday this week because their school has closed for the religious festival Eid-ul-Adha.

Only about half the children at 1,050-strong Witton Park High in Blackburn, Lancs, celebrate the second most important festival in the Muslim year.

But headteacher Dean Logan worked the calendar at the non-faith school to give all youngsters and staff the break, angering some parents.

One, who asked not to be named, said: “I find it remarkable they are to close the school when not everyone celebrates Eid. It isn’t a national holiday and has nothing to do with the faith of the school. There is no reason for non-Muslim children to take three days off at this time.”

The exact timing of Eid-ul-Adha, meaning Festival of Sacrifice, depends on sightings of the moon. » | Jan Disley | Tuesday, October 15, 2013