St Clement's College, Skegness, student Thomas Haston, 14, was told to leave school for having an 'extreme' hairstyle.

Thomas' mum Claire Roe said: "I can't believe he has been sent home because of his hair.

"They are calling it extreme hair, which I would have thought would mean colours, but even then it's discriminatory. They are saying how children should look. That's wrong in my eyes because everyone is different.

"It should be about their behaviour not how they look."

Mrs Roe said she has no problem with his hair and does not understand why it should be a problem for the school.

But college principal Vondra Mays said the hairstyle is against school policy and explained all parents have signed their acceptance of the school's regulations.

She said: "Reasons for such policies are to contribute to our college ethos and setting of an appropriate tone.

"Indeed the Department for Children Schools and Families strongly encourages uniform that instils pride and encourages identity. It also encourages the promotion of a strong and cohesive identity that supports high standards and a sense of identity amongst pupils; if some students look very different from their peers this can inhibit integration, equality and cohesion.

"Tom has been treated in exactly the same way as other students have for similar instances."

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