It is clear that something has gone badly wrong with the relationship between the principal of Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College, Joan Law, and some parents of pupils.

The fact that everything was not as it should be at the co-educational, predominantly Muslim school was reported first in the Telegraph & Argus in October of this year.

The problem seemed to stem from a letter to parents from Mrs Law which some felt was insulting, together with some alleged practices at the school which they felt clashed with their beliefs.

Mrs Law stood by her comments saying her point was to explain to parents that, while many former students go on to university and careers, almost as many become involved in crime, and that parents needed to work with the school to end problems in the area.

Any suggestion that the school discriminated against Muslims was also vehemently denied.

Now, Mrs Law has publicly apologised for referring to some parents as “evil” in a private e-mail to staff.

The fact that this situation is still rumbling on is deeply troubling, for it is more than likely to be having an unsettling effect on the most important people in all of this – the pupils.

For their sake, we hope this is the last chapter in this sorry saga and the school, and all those connected with it, can carry on with the important business of education.