Teacher takes Tower Hamlets school to tribunal today

08 February 2010

AN East End teacher who claims he was sacked for reprimanding pupils who made racist remarks is due to have his case heard at an employment tribunal today.

Nicholas Kafouris, a Christian, said some pupils at the predominantly Muslim Bigland Green Primary School had made antisemitic remarks, praised Islamic extremists in class, and hailed the September 11 terrorists as 'heroes and martyrs'.

Greek-born Mr Kafouris, who taught for more than ten years at the school in Shadwell, says he raised his concerns with the headteacher but they were ignored.

He also claims the way he was treated brought on stress and depression, and that he was forced to take time off work and was dismissed because of his absence in April last year.

Tower Hamlets council said the school had followed correct procedures.