Transcript of BBC Look North report (18.30) 14 Sept 06

Harry Gration

A boy who was sent home from school because of his haircut has been told he can return after his parents threatened legal action. Lee Kilgour has missed more than a week at Thorne Trinity Academy. Several other pupils there have contacted us to say they have been sent home for similar reasons. We have also been shown documents that suggest the academies policy may be illegal. Calls are now being made for an independent review. Kirsty Mitchell has this:

Kirsty Mitchell

This was Lee Kilgour’s haircut last Wednesday, & this is Lee’s haircut today. You’d struggle to spot the difference. But this morning there was a break-through & the family emerged triumphant from a meeting with the Academies principle.

Lee’s Father - Gary

This is a statement from Mr Brew which says that, “the parents & the academy have worked closely together to reach an outcome & a solution & both sides are happy with the outcome”.

Kirsty Mitchell

What is the outcome?

Lee’s Father – Gary

Lee is coming home for two days & shall be return to school on Monday. It was legal advice & a government document that gave the Kilgours courage to stand their ground. A solicitor & their ward councillor said the schools actions were unlawful because they never properly excluded Lee. In Fact the government guidelines state that informal or unofficial exclusions are illegal.

Cllr Martin Williams

They are an independent body & they can sort of put two fingers up to government guidelines in some ways. So I think we need extra scrutiny on the Vardy schools & we need more external scrutiny & I think we need more scrutiny from Doncaster Council as well, because we can’t have a situation where there is a school in the community which is just doing what it wants.

Kirsty Mitchell

But Lee Kilgour isn’t the only pupil that has been asked to stay away because of his haircut. In fact we have been contacted by several others. Sam Smullon’s dyed blond hair has also fallen foul of the Trinity Academy guidelines. He has been out of school for a week.

Vikki Gerrand (Sam’s sister?)

He had his hair like that last year & there were no problems last year. He’s always had his hair like that.

Sam Smullen

They should pay more attention to education rather than pupil’s hair colours & uniform & that. Its people’s education that matters more.

Kirsty Mitchell

Thorne barber Katy Varly has seen many more Trinity pupils

Katy Varly

There was at least probably between eight & ten on the Tuesday morning within about the school opening probably about half an hour to an hour. Loads of children.

Kirsty Mitchell

And they had all been sent out?

Katy Varly

Yes, all sent out & they had to go back in a little while.

Kirsty Mitchell

So it is back to school for Lee Kilgour, but the academy now faces some tough questions. Kirsty Mitchell, BBC Look North, Thorne.

Harry Gration

Thanks Kirsty, the Academy wouldn’t give us an interview to answer those tough questions, but they did tell us this, they do not think they are acting unlawfully & said that they are comfortable that the school’s policy on this is clear & consistent.