An independent Strictly Orthodox school rated good just two years ago has been downgraded to inadequate after inspectors found that it will not talk about same-sex orientation.

The Gateshead Jewish Cheder Primary School, which teaches 269 boys from three to 14, was also criticised for a narrow curriculum and not having high enough expectations for pupils.

Ofsted also said the school was taking in year-10 pupils, although it was not registered to do so.

“Governors were clear during the inspection that they specifically prohibit staff from providing pupils with any knowledge of different sexual orientations,” Ofsted said. “ As such, they do not encourage pupils to have respect for all other people.”

While secondary pupils could talk about some other faiths in Britain, primary pupils had limited knowledge.

As a result, Ofsted said, “leaders and governors do not actively promote the British values of mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.

While mornings were spent on Hebrew, in the primary section pupils learned English, maths and science in the afternoon. But year-10s studied only English, maths and Hebrew, taking GSCEs in the first two subjects.

“Although there is evidence that pupils have experience of other subjects - for instance, primary pupils complete a project on the Victorians -  there is little time within the timetable to study other subjects,” Ofsted reported.