The parents of a Jewish student at North London Collegiate have expressed outrage after their daughter was told by a teacher she would be sent "to one of your gas chambers" for jumping the lunch queue.

According to a report in the Mail on Sunday, the 17-year-old's father - who wished to remain anonymous - said the incident happened in January, when his daughter cut in front of the lunch queue at school and entered the dining room.

The teacher, who had virtually no contact with the student beforehand, reportedly said: "Don't do that or I'll have to send you to the back of the queue or to one of your gas chambers."

According to her father, the school has not done enough to highlight the severity of the incident. Though the teacher made a private apology to the family, North London Collegiate refuses to name the teacher, state whether any disciplinary action has been taken against her, or make a public statement.

A spokesperson for the school told the newspaper: "North London Collegiate School is proud of its rich, multi-cultural history and celebrates equality and diversity within the school community.

"The school was recently made aware of an allegation of an offensive statement made by a member of staff. The school promptly commenced an investigation.

"Having reached a determination and sought specialist legal advice, appropriate action was taken."

The incident was reported to the Community Security Trust. Communications director Mark Gardner said: "This would be highly offensive in any circumstance, but to be directed at a pupil by a teacher is unheard of and makes it far worse.

"We are working with all parties to resolve the matter."