ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the experiences of young Muslims as they negotiate their religious and cultural identities in multicultural primary schools in a small city in the eastern region of the United Kingdom. It draws from informal discussions with young people themselves reflecting on issues such as their own approach to schooling, their experiences of 'othering' and how the schools they attend do, or could, promote inclusion in their classrooms. In 2011 the British Prime Minister blamed 'state multiculturalism' for allowing the growth of segregated communities and advocated the promotion of 'British values' in schools; in the same year, long-standing dedicated state funding for the educational support of minority ethnic groups was withdrawn. The chapter argues that, whilst there is a growing body of literature about Muslims in education, the voices of young people themselves are rarely heard.
