Your Route to Real News

My son, 12, was removed from lessons because ‘his haircut isn’t appropriate’

29 May 2024 , 15:19
765     0
Staff allegedly told the lad he could only rejoin his classmates once his hair had grown...
Staff allegedly told the lad he could only rejoin his classmates once his hair had grown...

A 12-year-old schoolboy was put into isolation because his hair cut wasn't "appropriate", his furious mum says.

Katie Burton had given son Harry Currie, 12, a grade two buzz for summer.

Katie Burton gave son Harry a buzz cut for the summer term - only for him to be isolated when he got into school eiqdhiurirdprw
Katie Burton gave son Harry a buzz cut for the summer term - only for him to be isolated when he got into schoolCredit: SWNS
He was put in a room with other schoolkids who were out of class that day at Teesdale school, in Barnard Castle, County Durham
He was put in a room with other schoolkids who were out of class that day at Teesdale school, in Barnard Castle, County DurhamCredit: SWNS

But when he turned up for school the next day, teachers allegedly separated him from year seven classmates saying he could only rejoin them once his hair had grown.

Mum-of-five Katie, 31, who works as a barmaid, said: "I was really shocked.

"We'd done a grade two all over because their policy says not grade one or less, and it says no short sides and long on top.

Are there illegal baby names? Surprising monikers that are BANNED in other countries, from Sarah to ThomasAre there illegal baby names? Surprising monikers that are BANNED in other countries, from Sarah to Thomas

"I was really careful to stay within the school's hair policy. This feels very unfair. He just wanted his hair short for the summer."

Katie cut Harry's hair on May 7 and said staff isolated him from the other kids as soon as he entered the school the next day.

They allegedly branded the lad's barnet as "extreme".

He was put in a room with other schoolkids who were out of class that day at Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle, Co Durham.

Katie, who lives nearby, had no idea what had happened until Harry got home and was upset, she said.

Harry said: "At first I was really worried. I didn't know why they'd asked me to wait out of class.

"Then they asked if I'd done it for a medical reason. I was told I had to wait there until my hair grew back. I was really confused."

Katie has kept Harry at home since the incident and said she is so appalled by the incident that she's looking for a new school for him.

She said: "They've failed in their duty of care towards him. It's disgusting.

"Nobody phoned to say he was in isolation. I found out when he came home really upset.

I'm scared I've ruined my daughter's life because of her nameI'm scared I've ruined my daughter's life because of her name

"I couldn't believe it."

A spokesperson from the Northeast Learning Trust said: "As stated in our uniform policy, which is available online and shared with parents, extreme haircuts are not permitted in school.

"If students fail to meet our school's expectations, sanctions will be applied.

"Whilst we cannot discuss individual children in the public domain, we have an open-door policy and are more than happy to discuss any matters in person."

Teachers allegedly told the youngster he could only rejoin his classmates after his hair had grown
Teachers allegedly told the youngster he could only rejoin his classmates after his hair had grownCredit: SWNS
Katie believes the school have 'failed in their duty of care' towards Harry
Katie believes the school have 'failed in their duty of care' towards HarryCredit: SWNS
Katie has kept Harry at home since the incident and said she is so appalled by the incident that she's looking for a new school for him
Katie has kept Harry at home since the incident and said she is so appalled by the incident that she's looking for a new school for himCredit: SWNS
A spokesperson from the Northeast Learning Trust said uniform policy, which includes haircuts, must be followed
A spokesperson from the Northeast Learning Trust said uniform policy, which includes haircuts, must be followedCredit: SWNS

Tom Hussey

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus