MUSLIM pupils in Oxford have warned any move to restrict headscarves and veils being worn in schools could make them feel discriminated against and stop them from practising their faith.

Last month the Prime Minister said he would back schools which decided to ban pupils from wearing full-face veils such as the niqab.

Pupils at Oxford Spires Academy, in East Oxford, where 40 per cent of pupils are Muslim, said they were worried David Cameron’s comments could lead to a stricter line being taken against headscarves, including the hijab which does not cover the face.

Year 11 pupil Nasra Quaraanye, who wears a hijab, said: “Suggesting banning headscarves is offensive.

“Wearing a headscarf is important because I am following my religion. I believe as a young Muslim I have the right to wear a headscarf, whether I am in a Muslim country or not .”

Mr Cameron’s comments were followed by Education Secretary Nick Morgan backing schools enforcing their own uniform policy, whether or not that includes a ban on headscarves and veils.

Year 7 pupil Ayeisha Timadjer does not yet wear a headscarf, but said she would decide in the future whether to wear it or not.

She said: “If people want to wear it, it should be their own personal choice. If it were to be banned it would be taking the choice away from people and taking Muslim women’s rights away .”

Last week Ofsted boss Sir Michael Wilshaw said schools could be marked down by inspectors if pupils or staff wore niqabs in the classroom.

Oxford Spiers head teacher Sue Croft said she had no intention of banning headscarves or veils.

He said nobody had ever wanted to wear a full veil at the school but that she would defend any pupil’s right to do so.

She said: “I believe personal freedom is very important and it is important to protect our Muslim community from Islamophobia .

“I am very compliant and choose the battles worth fighting but if I felt it was about protecting a minority I would be standing up for their rights.”

Oxford Muslim leader Dr Hojjat Ramzy said many Muslims felt the hijab was a requirement of their religion but the niqab was a personal choice.

He said: “We live in a free country, in a democracy and everybody should be allowed to wear anything they want.

“We do not want that democracy to fade.”