A headteacher has defended his school’s haircut policy after a student was penalized for having a skin fade deemed too “extreme.” Jon Richardson, the headteacher of Strood Academy in Kent, explained that the policy aims to promote “equality and focus” among students.
However, the parents of 15-year-old Liam criticized the school’s actions, stating it was “ridiculous” that he was removed from class and placed in a behavioral unit due to his hairstyle. They noted that Liam chose the skin fade to help keep cool because he suffers from eczema.
The school’s policy clearly states: “No extreme haircuts, e.g., skin fades, graphics, lines, and hair must be cut to a minimum of grade one (at the discretion of senior leadership).”
Liam had his haircut on September 21 and faced disciplinary action the following week, on September 25, when he was informed that his hairstyle did not comply with the school’s guidelines. He was subsequently placed in a behavioral unit until his mother intervened and took him home. Liam missed the last day of that week and obtained a doctor’s note to inform the school about his skin condition.
When he returned to school on September 30, he was permitted back into lessons as his hair had grown out sufficiently to meet the policy requirements.
