The headteacher stands by the choice to remove a student from class due to his ‘extreme’ haircut, sparking debate on social media.
The headteacher recently defended school’s haircut policy after excluding a student from classes for his ‘extreme’ haircut.
Jon Richardson, the headteacher of Strood Academy, explained that the school has rules to ensure equality and focus among students.
The school removed the boy from classes because of his ‘extreme’ haircut.
The incident involved a 15-year-old boy named Liam, who received a skin fade haircut.
The school considered this style a violation of its strict haircut policy.
Liam’s parents believe the punishment is unfair.
They argue that their son’s haircut is reasonable and helps manage his eczema.
Strood Academy’s policy states: “No extreme haircuts. eg: Skin fades, graphics, lines and must be a minimum of grade one cut (senior leadership teams discretion).”
After Liam got his haircut on September 21, the school removed him from class just a few days later for not meeting the standards.
This action placed him in a behavior unit, which upset both him and his family.
Schoolboy’s parents emphasized ‘extreme’ haircut over his medical condition
Liam’s stepfather, Barry Sandman, criticized the school’s action, calling it “horrible” and “unnecessary.”
He mentioned that the skin fade helps keep Liam’s neck cool, as his eczema worsens when he overheats.
Barry expressed frustration over Liam’s removal from classes, particularly during his final year of GCSEs, due to a haircut.
“Something needs to change as Liam shouldn’t be missing out on teaching time in his final year of GCSEs for a haircut that looks smart,” he said angrily.
“It’s not like he has a mohawk or bright blue hair,” Barry said.
He pointed out that many teenagers in their area have similar haircuts and that professionals also sport this style.
He argued that the haircut was sensible and should not interfere with Liam’s education.
“Liam has his haircut this way because he has suffered from eczema for years.
The skin fade helps keep his head cool during autumn and summer, as the heat from wearing a blazer, shirt, and coat can cause sweat and irritate his skin,” the father added.
After returning to school the following Monday, Liam’s hair had grown enough to meet the school’s rules, allowing him back into class.
Barry believes the school could have managed the situation better and plans to file a formal complaint.
Richardson said the school’s haircut policy wouldn’t be changing.
In response to the controversy, Jon Richardson said that the school’s haircut policy exists to maintain a positive learning environment.
He emphasized that they apply the rules consistently for all students to ensure everyone stays focused on their studies.
The headteacher stated, “We are aware of concerns raised by a parent regarding a student who was placed in the academy’s behavioral unit following concerns over the length of his haircut.”
Richardson emphasized that the school communicates the dress code, which includes hairstyle guidelines, to parents and students at the beginning of each academic year.
These rules aim to promote equality and focus among students.
“The academy has a clear and well-established dress code, including guidelines on appropriate hairstyles, which is communicated to parents and students at the beginning of each academic year.
“These guidelines are in place to promote a sense of equality and focus across the academy,” the headteacher added.
He also mentioned that the school is open to discussing specific circumstances, such as medical conditions, with parents.
Currently, Liam’s family has not filed a formal complaint, but the school is actively communicating with them to seek a solution.
“We are in communication with the parent and have offered a meeting to discuss their concerns in more detail,” he said.