A SECULAR state school in Birmingham is under investigation by education officials for allegedly claiming £70,000 to pay for playground loudspeakers to summon pupils to Islamic prayers.

The inquiry by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) into Park View School, an academy with predominantly Muslim students, is also understood to be examining allegations of nepotism and misuse of funds.

The school sponsors two others in the city and is understood to have had plans to sponsor several more as part of an academy chain.

The EFA, which is part of the Department for Education (DfE), launched its investigation after an allegation by a whistleblower that the amount claimed by Park View for the loudspeakers was far greater than their cost.

Park View School: allegations of nepotism and misuse of funds (Iain Findlay)

“The EFA has been provided with