A Muslim schoolgirl today won her legal battle to wear traditional "head-to-toe" dress in the classroom, in a case that will force multi-faith schools to make their uniform rules comply with human rights laws.

　　Shabina Begum, 15, accused the head teacher and governors of Denbigh High School in Luton, Bedfordshire, of denying her the "right to education and to manifest her religious beliefs" for its ban on the jilbab, a dress that leaves only the hands and face exposed.

　　Speaking outside the court this morning, Shabina, now 16 and attending a school where the jilbab is allowed, called the decision "a victory for all Muslims who wish to preserve their identity and values despite prejudice and bigotry".

　　Ms Begum's local education authority, Luton Borough Council, added that all schools would now be advised to take pupils' religion into account when imposing school uniform rules.