The regional Secretary for Education, Daniel McEvoy, has said Islamic Studies will not be included in the ordinary enrolment process in May for Almoradí’s new Number 4 primary school. He described the subject as a pilot scheme introduced by the previous Botànic government and said a decision on its future will be taken once the school is operating in September, taking into account the views of the council and the wider educational community.

However, McEvoy later suggested it is still to be determined whether the subject might be offered next year. Almoradí has an average of around 30% Muslim pupils, mainly of Moroccan origin. Parents and teachers have warned that removing the option could discourage migrant families from enrolling and risk segregation between schools.

The new centre, which has cost more than eight million euros, will open with three classes per year group and capacity for 580 pupils. Existing schools in the town are currently oversubscribed, with some reporting more than 30% of pupils from Moroccan families, rising to 40% in one case.

Islamic Studies was introduced locally in the 2019 to 2020 academic year and remains available in Catral and Crevillent. The Islamic community in Almoradí, where around 3,000 Moroccan residents are registered, has said the experience has been positive and is awaiting further information from the council.