School at centre of Union flag dress row closes early for summer after 'extremist threats'
A school at the centre of a row over a dress with the Union flag has been forced to close early for summer after receiving 'extremist threats'.
Bilton School in Rugby told parents it was closing "in the interests of student and staff safety". In a letter sent to parents on Thursday, they were told the premises would shut earlier than usual.
School officials said they had decided to do so due to "extremist abuse online and via our telephone systems".
As reported in the Mirror, the letter added: "The nature and tone of this abuse has escalated in recent days, including personal threats to our staff.
"Our primary responsibility remains the safety and wellbeing of every child and member of staff. This is not a decision we have taken lightly... the safety of our school community must come first."
On arrival at the school for an 'inclusion day', 12-year-old Courtney Wright was told her outfit - a sequined Union flag dress inspired by the Spice Girls - was "unacceptable".
The schoolgirl was told to sit alone in reception until her dad could get off work to pick her up.
Speaking to the Express, she said: "It upset me because I came in really proud, I bought the dress, I chose it myself ... and then I was told I am not allowed in lessons."
The school issued an apology shortly after the row was made public, saying it would "reflect on how [it] could have been handled better".
The school said: "We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies.
"We are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure our practices reflect our values of inclusion, respect and understanding for all."
A spokesperson for 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.'
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