12-Year-Old in Union Jack Dress Get Schoolgirl Banned on Culture Day

Credit: Envato Elements  A 12-year-old student was pulled out of lessons and placed in isolation after choosing to celebrate her British heritage with a Union Jack dress during her...
12-Year-Old in Union Jack Dress Get Schoolgirl Banned on Culture Day
Credit: Envato Elements
 

A 12-year-old student was pulled out of lessons and placed in isolation after choosing to celebrate her British heritage with a Union Jack dress during her school’s Culture Celebration Day last Friday.

Courtney Wright, a Year 7 pupil at Bilton School and a high-achieving student, had arrived proudly wearing a dress inspired by the iconic Spice Girls, paired with a heartfelt speech on British traditions and history. But rather than being praised for her contribution, Courtney was told her attire was “unacceptable” and was removed from class before being sent home.

Her father, Stuart Field, 47, said he was “gobsmacked” when he received a call to collect his daughter just hours into the school day. “Courtney was left embarrassed and confused. She genuinely thought she was doing the right thing by celebrating her culture. No one explained to her why what she wore was wrong,” he said.

According to Mr Field, Courtney was not alone. Other students reportedly wearing St George’s or Welsh flags were also turned away, while attire from other cultural backgrounds – including traditional Nigerian clothing and religious garments like burkas and niqabs – was permitted.

The controversy quickly gained traction online, with parents and commentators expressing concern over what many have called a double standard. Mr Field’s social media post received support from as far afield as Australia and the United States, with people rallying behind the idea that being proud of British heritage should not be taboo.

“Courtney chose that dress to express who she is – a proud Brit, a fan of the Spice Girls, and someone who believes in freedom of expression,” said Mr Field. “She worked hard on her speech, which celebrated both British culture and the beauty of living in a multicultural country. But no one even heard it.”

Following the backlash, Bilton School’s governing body, the Stowe Valley Trust, issued a formal apology over the weekend. In a public statement, the Trust said:

“We deeply regret the distress caused to one of our pupils and her family during Culture Celebration Day. We have spoken directly with them, and we are reviewing our internal processes and training to ensure our values of inclusion and respect are upheld consistently.”

While the school has since invited Courtney to return and present her speech, her father says she no longer feels comfortable doing so.

“She feels like she’s being used as a token now. The damage is done. What should have been a day to embrace everyone’s culture became a moment where she was made to feel like hers didn’t count,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s office also weighed in on the issue, with an official spokesperson stating: “The Prime Minister has always made it clear that being British is something to be celebrated. We are a tolerant, diverse and proud nation.”

Mr Field emphasized that his daughter’s intent was never political, but personal. “It wasn’t about flags or sides. It was about her identity – and if we’re really celebrating diversity, that should include British culture too.”

As schools across the UK continue to embrace multiculturalism, this incident has sparked an important conversation: how can we truly celebrate diversity if some identities are left out of the picture?

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