A private school in Dewsbury is under investigation after allegations it is teaching an "extreme form of Islam".

The Islamic Tarbiyah Academy is accused of handing leaflets out claiming Jewish people are engaged in a global conspiracy.

Other leaflets and letters, which are distributed in mosques, allegedly warn Muslims not to adopt British customs, ban watching TV and say all mixed-sex institutions are "evil".

Women were also told not to go to work and be fully covered before leaving the house, according to a report by Sky News.

The Islamic Tarbiyah Academy in Dewsbury is under investigation. Credit: ITV News

The school, which teaches 140 primary school children, was established by Mufti Zubair Dudha, a respected cleric from the orthodox Deobandi sect, thought to control half of all mosques in the UK.

Its website says its aim is to "create a sense of discipline, based upon an enlightened comprehension of moral and ethical values, as is the crying need of the hour all over the world."

But the Sky News investigation found leaflets were being distributed at the school saying embracing Westernisation would "ruin the holy moral fabric of Muslim society".

A separate flyer on jihad tells Muslims they should be prepared to "expend ... even life" to create a world organised "according to Allah's just order".

Another leaflet said that "parties and gatherings, dances, mixed picnics and co-educational institutions are nothing but a carnal ruse to lure men and women."

The school said it was 'astonished' by the allegations Credit: ITV News

The school said it was "astonished" by the allegations, adding its focus is on spiritual activities, and "political activities are not of primary concern."

A statement said: "Rather than promoting extreme views, the Islamic Tarbiyah Academy has, and will, continue to work within the community, along with others, including the local authorities, to try and counter extremism. Any suggestions to the contrary are unfounded to say the least."

School founder Mr Dudha told Sky News: "It saddens me greatly that certain extracts from our publications have been taken and misrepresented to link the Academy with extremism.

"We fully believe in the importance and need of integration whilst being able to practise our faith."

The Department for Education confirmed it is investigating what it described as "serious allegations".

A spokesman said: "While it would be inappropriate to comment on the specific investigations of these institutions, we are clear that extremism has no place in our society and we are determined to protect children from it."