Union Jack row school shuts early after abuse

A MIDLAND school which pulled a 12-year-old girl out of class over her Union Jack dress had to close early for the summer.

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Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire, said it was closing “in the interests of student and staff safety” following threats. It told parents it was closing earlier than normal for the summer holidays in a letter sent on Thursday, because of “extremist abuse online and via our telephone systems”.

Courtney Wright, who said her outfit was inspired by Geri Halliwell’s iconic Spice Girls dress, was stopped at the school gates by a member of staff and ordered to change after picking it out for Culture Celebration Day.

A school spokesman said later: “We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies.