A MUSLIM teacher, who failed in her attempt to be promoted because she was not allowed to lead prayers in school, has won a claim for sex discrimination.

Mother-of-three Misbah Rana faced a ''culture'' of sexism as she tried to climb the career ladder at a Rochdale school.

An employment tribunal heard that after she applied for the post of deputy head at Sparrow Hill Primary School one of the governors said: ''We want somebody younger, preferably from outside the school and a male who can lead prayers.''

Governors said Mrs Rana could not lead prayers in the absence of the male head because Islamic law prevents it.

The tribunal also said that during the appointment process the governors had breached 12 different Codes of Practice laid down by the council.

Secret meetings were held between certain governors and their ''preferred candidate'' Faheen Chishti, who had been a qualified teacher for less than five years.

Experience

And governors said Mrs Rana, an qualified Ofsted inspector, failed to fit the criteria for the job despite her 12 years experience.

The tribunal heard that many of the governors knew Mr Chishti personally but failed to declare it and two of the governors scored his interview highly before it began.

Mrs Rana, from Rochdale, was instructed by bosses not to speak to the M.E.N. but her friend told of her distress.

She said: ''None of us can believe in this day and age that this kind of blatant discrimination can go on.

''It is hard enough for a woman to succeed anyway, for a Muslim woman it is even more difficult but treatment like this should never be allowed.

''Misbah felt she had to fight this for the sake of women who have to fight to be successful.''

The tribunal found the school and Rochdale Council jointly responsible for direct unlawful sex discrimination.

A claim for race discrimination was withdrawn by Mrs Rana.

Mrs Rana, who is still a teacher at the school, is now considering an offer of £8,000 compensation.

Her friend said: ''She loves the children and she loves her job, she just regrets that she had to be treated in the way.''

The school has been stopped from making any further appointments without consulting the education authority.

Terry Piggott, director of education for Rochdale council, said: ''We will abide by the decision of the tribunal and we will ensure all future recruitment at the school is fair.

''We are also providing personal and professional support for the teacher involved in the case.''