A boarding school has failed its Ofsted inspection after a book calling for gay people to be executed was found in its library.

The Islamic Institute of Education in Savile Town, Dewsbury, "undermined British values" by stocking the text, which called for ‘evil doers’ to be ‘put to death’, according to the inspectorate.

Titled ‘Islam on Homosexuality’, the book had been stamped by the school and included ‘sections on punishment of individuals because of their sexuality’.

The Ofsted report published on Tuesday said it was shocked to find the text as it breached the Equality Act 2010 and undermined ‘fundamental British values’.

The body failed the school based on the book's discovery in addition to a number of other issues including several surrounding childrens' safety.

The report said: “The text included sections on punishment of individuals because of their sexuality and views which contradict the rule of law.

“For example, the book included ‘…the participants of the homosexual act should be slained (wording in the text) whether they are married or unmarried because in filth and mischief of this act surpasses adultery.’ “There is also a paragraph in the book entitled ‘putting to death’. In this paragraph, there is a statement ‘…the evil doers should be put to death’.”

The watchdog added that there was a ‘difference in opinion’ between some leaders and trustees and the headteacher regarding the book.

The headteacher was clear that this book should not be in the school library, but other leaders stated that the book was for ‘research’ purposes.

By permitting this book to be freely accessible to pupils, leaders failed to promote respect and tolerance for others, the report said.

The inspection report reveals that Ofsted was asked to inspect the school following two complaints, and had been rated ‘inadequate’ - the worst rating – in February 2020.

The report found that the institution, which has 234 boys on its roll aged between 11 and 25, had a ‘weak culture of safeguarding’.

The damning report also uncovered a host of safety issues including exposed wiring, rubbish piled up, and no outdoor play environment.

Ofsted's report went on to suggest that school leaders are in denial about standards, stating: "Trustees believe that despite the school's shortcomings, the school is making progress.

“This is not the view of inspectors."

The Institute of Islamic Education said in a statement: "The Institute of Islamic Education has received the report detailing the findings of the inspection by OFSTED which took place on 18th and 19th May. Following the inspection, trustees and leaders at the Institute have acted swiftly and decisively to address the issues raised by the inspectors.
"The majority of the areas for improvement identified have now been rectified, and trustees, leaders and staff at the Institute are continuing to work with rigour, diligence and integrity to ensure that all appropriate standards have been met.
The Institute’s full and unequivocal commitment to fundamental British values has been reaffirmed, and all books in its library are now consistent with these values. Systems are in place to ensure that the quality of education and care provided by the Institute to its students is of the highest standard and is compliant with all statutory and regulatory requirements."

  • An earlier version of this story contained an inaccuracy. We have been asked to point out that Mohamed Aswat is not the current headteacher and was not the headteacher at the time of the inspection. The story was supplied to us by a news agency and used in good faith, but we are happy to clarify this point and apologise for any confusion caused.