A school’s decision to place a white British girl in isolation for wearing a Union Jack dress to celebrate ‘culture day’ has sparked backlash from across the political spectrum. Courtney Wright of Bilton School in Rugby wore a sparkly sequinned Union Jack dress to school after pupils were encouraged to celebrate their home cultures.
However she was promptly removed from lessons and held in the school reception area before being told her patriotic garb was “unacceptable”, treatment that left her “humiliated and confused”. Her father, Stuart Field, 47, said he was stunned to receive a call informing him that his daughter had been pulled out of class over her clothing choice. The furious dad told the media: “She should not be made to feel ashamed about being British — and she certainly shouldn’t be punished for it.”
“Someone at the school has politicised a Union Jack dress. That was never her intent. This was about celebrating being British in a way that made sense to her — the Spice Girls, culture, freedom of expression.
“Instead, they made her sit in reception until I could get away from work and come collect her. It completely undermines what the day was supposed to be about.”
Politicians from across the political spectrum have now voiced outrage at the incident, including MPs from Reform, Labour and the Tories.
Reform UK’s Lee Anderson blasted: “It seems every culture is welcomed — except our own. This is exactly the kind of woke ideology undermining our schools, our patriotism, and our culture.
“There’s nothing shameful about being British. We’ve long been one of the most generous, hospitable, and advanced societies in the world.
“Girls like Courtney should be celebrated, not punished. Her teachers, on the other hand, should be nowhere near children — stripped of their jobs, and forced into community service. A Reform government would put a stop to this on day one.”
Labour MP for Dover Mike Tapp told the Express: “What’s the point in schools teaching British Values if kids aren’t encouraged to celebrate our culture?
“I hope this was a one off mistake, and to apologise they should fly the British Flag loud and proud.”
Neil O’Brien, the Tories’ shadow Schools Minister, added: “This is a good example of the one-sided multiculturalism that drives people mad.
“Teachers saying people should be proud of their identity, unless they are British.
“Too many cultural and educational institutions are in the grip of a woke ideology that says ever other culture is to be celebrated but our own history and culture is nothing but shameful. It all needs massive change.”
Mr Field also claimed that other students wearing anything resembling dress representing British culture were turned away.
“One child dressed in traditional farming clothes — flat cap and checked shirt — wasn’t allowed in. Another with a St George’s flag. One had a Welsh flag. All turned away.
“It felt like anything remotely British was deemed unacceptable. Yet pupils in burkas, niqabs, or Nigerian traditional dress were allowed through.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Stowe Valley Trust said: “At Bilton School, we are proud of the diversity of our students and the rich heritage they bring to our community. We are committed to fostering an environment where every pupil feels respected, valued, and included.
“On Friday 11th July, an incident occurred during our Culture Celebration Day that caused considerable upset to one of our pupils, her family, and members of the wider community.
“We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies.
“We have since spoken directly with the pupil and her family to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better.
“We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage.
“As a school, we are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure our practices reflect our values of inclusion, respect, and understanding for all.”
