21-05-2025
Pupils ‘put in isolation' for shaving heads in solidarity with cancer-hit classmate
Pupils were allegedly put in isolation for shaving their heads in support of a school friend who was diagnosed with cancer.
A group of boys from Newark Academy, in Nottinghamshire, decided to shave their heads to show solidarity with a friend who now faces bouts of chemotherapy.
But they were allegedly placed in isolation and banned from their end of year prom by the school after claims they had breached the behaviour and appearance policy.
According to a fundraising page set up by the boy's family, he is unable to sit exams or work his weekend job while in hospital four days a week.
Parents said on social media that the school had punished pupils by putting them in isolation and banning prom.
One wrote: 'What the hell is wrong with Newark Academy!! Punishing pupils by isolation and banning prom for showing support for a friend with cancer.
'Their crime? Shaving their heads. That school is on a power trip. Punishing lots of pupils for next to nothing.'
Another commented: 'Instead of punishing children from showing empathy and compassion, why not listen to them and support them with these massive big emotions and help educate the whole school about this cancer awareness.'
Senior leaders at the Nova Education Trust, which runs the school in Balderton, Newark, insisted that the behaviour and appearance policy was paramount, adding that it had a responsibility to 'uphold agreed standards and rules'.
A spokesman for the trust said: 'We are aware of the recent situation involving students who have shaved their heads, an action that is in breach of our school's behaviour and appearance policy.
'First and foremost, we want to acknowledge and commend the compassion and solidarity these students have shown for their friend. Their empathy and support are qualities we value deeply in our school community.
'Our school policies are designed to create a consistent and focused learning environment for all students. While we understand and respect the motivations behind their actions, the schools have a responsibility to uphold their agreed standards and rules, which are communicated clearly to all students and parents.'
Johno Lee, an independent councillor on Newark and Sherwood district council, said: 'When I first heard the rumours on social media you wonder if people are exaggerating. But I was shocked to have it confirmed that it's true, and it's just wrong.
'I was in the military for 12 years and appreciate there's a dress code to follow, but these boys were doing a good deed for a friend. This damages the reputation of the school, and I would urge them to reconsider their actions and hope the boys are eventually vindicated and allowed to go to the prom.
'These boys should not be punished for showing solidarity with a friend.'
The Gofundme page set up for the boy reads: 'His friends have been amazing and all shaved their heads in support of him. The support he's had from them has been absolutely amazing.
'Any donations would be greatly appreciated for when he gets out of hospital. It will also help towards the family's endless trips to QMC [Queen's Medical Centre] and time off work to look after him.'
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