‘Extreme’ haircut lands school pupil in detention

Midhurst Rother College put Year 8 student Edward Minto into detention because his new haircut failed to meet the school’s policy.

But Edward’s furious mother Holly said more clarity is needed over what is deemed ‘too extreme’.

Mrs Minto said: “I am totally for school rules but I can’t see and lots agree with me how this cut is extreme.

“I totally understand if it was pink or Mohican but surely this is one step beyond pathetic to punish a child with a style like this.

“They said he has a mop on top with sides far to short. Where does extreme start? I wouldn’t allow my children to have what I would call ‘extreme’ hair cuts and feel this is totally in line with what the current school policy is.

“The school said it is a ‘fashion’ hair cut that is not excepted by the school.

“The website doesn’t say anything about ‘fashion’ hair cuts and we feel maybe more clarity and definition should be put into place if this is the case.

“My son’s hair doesn’t stop nor affect his learning.

“The website states long hair must be tied back for physical education, science and design and technology. Hairstyles should be appropriate for a formal setting and must not be extreme in cut, or colour, and must be of a shade that occurs naturally.”

On its website, Midhurst Rother College says uniform ‘plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos’ of the college and ‘setting an appropriate tone’.

“It signals very clearly that students have come to learn and to be part of the College community.

“Hairstyles should be appropriate for a formal setting and must not be extreme in cut, or colour, and must be of a shade that occurs naturally (dip dyed hair is not permitted).

“The way in which students wear their uniform is one way in which the local community makes judgements about the College. The College has a clear policy on uniform and we ask you and your parents to give it your full support.

“This avoids having to spend valuable time reminding you about details or involving parents in unnecessary expense by buying items which are unacceptable.”

Midhurst Rother College declined to comment.

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