Police fears over counter-terror chief's schools probe

Peter Clarke, who served as the head of the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit, has been made Education Commissioner and will review the evidence in connection with the allegations at 25 Birmingham schools.

His role will be to conduct an investigation to fully understand the situation and work with Birmingham City Council to 'analyse evidence of extremist infiltration' in both academies and council-run schools, the Department for Education said.

But the move has sparked criticism from West Midlands Police Chief Constable Chris Sims.

He said: "This is a desperately unfortunate appointment. Peter Clarke has many qualities but people will inevitably draw unwarranted conclusions from his former role as national co-ordinator for counter terrorism.

"I am a strong supporter of open and inclusive education for all children in Birmingham and across the West Midlands and am committed to the process adopted by Birmingham City Council with educational and social inclusion at its heart." It comes days after it was disclosed that 25 schools are now under investigation over the alleged hardline Muslim plot to force out governors and headteachers.

Birmingham City Council has already announced it is appointing a new chief adviser to directly handle at least 200 complaints received in relation to the Operation Trojan Horse allegations focusing on schools in the city. The council's investigation, running in parallel to the separate Whitehall inquiry, is due to initially report back in May.

Education Secretary Michael Gove said: "I am extremely concerned by the allegations made in connection to a number of schools in Birmingham.

"I have already asked Ofsted to inspect a number of schools of concern and these investigations are ongoing. But wider, more comprehensive action is needed.

"That is why I am appointing a Commissioner to oversee this work. Peter Clarke brings a wealth of relevant skills and experience, and is very well placed to lead a fair and thorough assessment of the evidence.

"No pupils should be exposed to extremist views or radicalisation while at school. I have tasked Peter Clarke with getting to the bottom of these allegations, so schools in Birmingham can continue the excellent progress that so many have been making."

Mr Clarke is due to report back with his findings in the summer.

Birmingham City Council has appointed Ian Kershaw, managing director of Northern Education, to take up the chief adviser role, and is also setting up a review group of MPs, councillors, national teaching and governors groups, the police, and faith leaders, to look into the claims.

Council leader Sir Albert Bore confirmed the council had spoken to the local authorities in both Manchester and Bradford, during its three-month long investigation, where similar allegations have been raised.

Ofsted has also been sent in by Mr Gove to inspect 15 Birmingham schools in recent weeks, after the allegations first broke.

School trustees have denied all the claims, branding the allegations 'a witch-hunt'.