School Apologises After Girl in Union Jack Dress Is Isolated on Culture Day
Rugby, Warwickshire – A secondary school has issued a formal apology after a 12-year-old student was removed from lessons and placed in isolation for wearing a Union Jack dress during a day designed to celebrate cultural diversity.
Courtney Wright, a Year 7 pupil at Bilton School, had arrived on Friday for the "Culture Celebration Day" dressed in a Spice Girls-style Union Jack dress. Far from being a simple fashion choice, her outfit was part of a project to celebrate her British heritage. The 'straight A' student had also prepared an impassioned speech about British history, its traditions, and the inclusive nature of modern Britain, which she believes welcomes people from all backgrounds.
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Courtney Wright, a Year 7 pupil at Bilton School, had arrived on Friday for the "Culture Celebration Day" dressed in a Spice Girls-style Union Jack dress. Far from being a simple fashion choice, her outfit was part of a project to celebrate her British heritage. The 'straight A' student had also prepared an impassioned speech about British history, its traditions, and the inclusive nature of modern Britain, which she believes welcomes people from all backgrounds.
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However, school staff reportedly deemed her attire "unacceptable." Courtney was promptly taken out of her class and made to sit in the reception area until her father, Stuart Field, could collect her.
Mr. Field, 47, said he was "gobsmacked" by the school's actions, which he felt directly contradicted the event's stated purpose of promoting "inclusion, understanding, and appreciation of different backgrounds." He explained that his daughter’s intent was purely celebratory, honouring everything from pop culture icons like the Spice Girls to the fundamental freedom of expression. Her prepared speech, which the school did not hear at the time, explicitly celebrated inclusivity and other cultures.
The incident has since ignited a wider debate about cultural expression. Mr. Field noted that while his daughter was segregated, other students wearing traditional attire from different cultures, such as burkas and Nigerian clothing, were welcomed. He also stated that other pupils attempting to represent their heritage with St George's or Welsh flags were similarly turned away, suggesting a specific reluctance to allow expressions of Britishness.
The story drew national attention, prompting a response from the Prime Minister’s official spokesman, who stated, "The PM has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated. We are a tolerant, diverse, open country, proud of being British."
Following the backlash, the Stowe Valley Trust, which runs Bilton School, issued a full apology. A spokesman said, "We are proud of the diversity of our students and the rich heritage they bring... We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies."
The Trust confirmed it had spoken with Courtney and her family and acknowledged the situation could have been handled better. It has pledged to review its policies and staff training to ensure its values of inclusion and respect are upheld for all students wishing to express pride in their heritage.
Despite the apology and an invitation to return and read her speech, Mr. Field said his daughter now feels too uncomfortable to do so, feeling the gesture is too late. The family believes the incident could have been avoided if the school had simply embraced every student's interpretation of their culture, including a young girl's proud, positive, and inclusive vision of what it means to be British today.
Mr. Field, 47, said he was "gobsmacked" by the school's actions, which he felt directly contradicted the event's stated purpose of promoting "inclusion, understanding, and appreciation of different backgrounds." He explained that his daughter’s intent was purely celebratory, honouring everything from pop culture icons like the Spice Girls to the fundamental freedom of expression. Her prepared speech, which the school did not hear at the time, explicitly celebrated inclusivity and other cultures.
The incident has since ignited a wider debate about cultural expression. Mr. Field noted that while his daughter was segregated, other students wearing traditional attire from different cultures, such as burkas and Nigerian clothing, were welcomed. He also stated that other pupils attempting to represent their heritage with St George's or Welsh flags were similarly turned away, suggesting a specific reluctance to allow expressions of Britishness.
The story drew national attention, prompting a response from the Prime Minister’s official spokesman, who stated, "The PM has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated. We are a tolerant, diverse, open country, proud of being British."
Following the backlash, the Stowe Valley Trust, which runs Bilton School, issued a full apology. A spokesman said, "We are proud of the diversity of our students and the rich heritage they bring... We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies."
The Trust confirmed it had spoken with Courtney and her family and acknowledged the situation could have been handled better. It has pledged to review its policies and staff training to ensure its values of inclusion and respect are upheld for all students wishing to express pride in their heritage.
Despite the apology and an invitation to return and read her speech, Mr. Field said his daughter now feels too uncomfortable to do so, feeling the gesture is too late. The family believes the incident could have been avoided if the school had simply embraced every student's interpretation of their culture, including a young girl's proud, positive, and inclusive vision of what it means to be British today.
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