VIDEO: A student was placed in isolation for wearing a dress featuring the Union Jack during her school's culture day celebration

A student was placed in isolation for wearing a dress featuring the Union Jack during her school's culture day celebration.

A school has expressed regret after a 12-year-old girl was isolated for donning a Union flag dress to celebrate ‘culture day.’

Courtney Wright wore her sequinned Union flag dress as part of the school’s festivities last Friday.

However, she was informed that her choice of outfit was deemed ‘unacceptable’ and was removed from her classes to sit in isolation in reception until her father could pick her up. She was also offered the option of putting on a second-hand uniform.

Her father, Stuart Field, 47, mentioned that his daughter felt ‘embarrassed’ and couldn’t comprehend what she had done wrong.

He stated: “Courtney felt so embarrassed and didn’t understand why she was being punished.

“She shouldn’t be made to feel ashamed of being British.

“And she shouldn’t be penalized for expressing her pride in being British – nobody I’ve talked to can quite understand it. READ MORE

“Someone at the school has made a political issue out of a Union Jack dress, even though that was clearly not Courtney’s intention. She wasn't attempting to be political.

“It signifies being British, the Spice Girls, and the freedom to wear a dress. This is simply what being British means to her.”

Academic achiever Courtney also intended to present a speech in honor of Shakespeare, fish and chips, and the royal family, her father added.

In a communication to parents, the school explained that culture day was “intended to foster inclusion, understanding, and appreciation of various backgrounds, traditions, and heritages.”

Mr. Field remarked: “It’s the school that has politicized it, which contradicts the entire purpose of the event.

“I consider all the children there to be British, and while I strive to be a tolerant person, this was just not appropriate.”

A student was placed in isolation for wearing a dress featuring the Union Jack during her school's culture day celebration.

Mr. Field noted that another parent informed him her son was prohibited from wearing a farmer’s outfit.

A representative for Stowe Valley Trust commented: “At Bilton School, we celebrate the diversity of our students and the rich heritage they contribute to our community. We are dedicated to creating an environment where every student feels respected, valued, and included.

“On Friday, July 11th, an incident transpired during our Culture Celebration Day that caused significant distress to one of our pupils, her family, and the broader community. READ MORE

“We sincerely regret the discomfort this has caused and offer our heartfelt apologies.

“We have since met with the pupil and her family to hear their concerns and consider how this situation could have been managed more effectively.

“We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that each student feels acknowledged and supported when expressing pride in their heritage.

“As a school, we are reviewing our policies and enhancing staff training to guarantee our practices align with our values of inclusion, respect, and understanding for all.”