Eton expands Islamic cirriculum

A greater understanding of Islam required for the future

Eton College is to offer more courses in Islamic culture and language, its headmaster has said.

The move is to help students at the prestigious public school in Berkshire gain a better understanding of Islam.

That's necessary in order to be "effective citizens," headmaster Tony Little said.

A Muslim tutor will also be hired to look after the spiritual needs of the school's Muslim students, and a course in Arabic will be added.

'Understanding of Islam'

He explained the move in a letter to parents.

"The relationship between the West and the Islamic world is likely to be one of the dominant issues for our boys for the years to come," the letter said.

"To be effective citizens they will need a sound understanding of Islamic culture."

The school already employs four Anglican priests, a Roman Catholic chaplain and Jewish tutor to look after the nearly 1,300 students.

The £21,000-a-year school has educated 18 British prime ministers as well as many members of the Royal Family.