School punished girl for wearing Union Jack dress

A SCHOOL has apologised for ordering a 12-year-old girl to change the Spice Girl-style Union Jack dress she wore to celebrate Britishness at a cultural day.

- By Richard Ashmore

Courtney Wright was turned away at the gates when she arrived at Bilton School in her sparkly dress and matching bowler hat.

Instead of taking part in the Culture Celebration Day, Courtney was isolated from her classmates and not allowed into lessons. But the school in Rugby, Warwickshire, made a U-turn amid worldwide outrage after Courtney’s dad, Stuart Field, posted her ordeal online.

Distress

It says Courtney can speak at an assembly and charity event in her dress, inspired by Spice Girl Geri Halliwell’s 1997 Brit Awards outfit.

Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman appeared to side with Courtney and her family. He said: "The Prime Minister has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated."