Bilton School issues ‘unreserved apologies’ after 12-year-old removed from cultural diversity day for celebrating British heritage
A Rugby school has issued an apology after a 12-year-old pupil was removed from lessons for wearing a Union Jack dress to their cultural diversity day, sparking outrage from politicians and commentators.
Courtney Wright was told to sit in reception at Bilton School on Friday whilst awaiting collection by her father after staff deemed her outfit “unacceptable” for the event. The Year 7 student had chosen to celebrate British culture by wearing the patriotic dress and preparing a speech about Shakespeare, fish and chips, and the Royal Family.
The incident has prompted fierce debate on GB News, with former Conservative MP Anna Firth expressing outrage at the school’s decision. This lovely girl, who I think looks absolutely gorgeous, came in in a Union Jack dress and she’d written a speech about Shakespeare, about fish and chips, about the Royal Family, she’d really done it properly,” Firth told the programme.
‘Not For Her’
Stuart Field, Courtney’s father, revealed on social media that his daughter was told the cultural diversity day was “not for her” and that “she gets to celebrate her culture every day.” The marine restoration worker collected his daughter from school after she spent the morning isolated in reception.
“Courtney was so embarrassed and couldn’t understand what she’d done wrong,” Field said. “She’s a straight A student, one of the brightest in her year and she’s never been in trouble before so she was really upset.”
The school had sent a permission letter to parents describing the event as “designed to promote inclusion, understanding, and appreciation of different backgrounds, traditions and heritages.” Students were encouraged to wear attire reflecting their nationality or family heritage.
In her prepared speech, Courtney had written: “Being British is still a culture and it matters too. It’s part of who I am. So let’s celebrate all cultures — whether they come from far away or right here at home.”
Political Reaction
The incident has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Former Labour MP Bill Rammell argued that Britain should be “celebrating its culture” rather than cancelling it, particularly in the context of debates about migration and integration.
We do live in a multicultural society, and I think it’s right you celebrate cultures, but within a British context,” Rammell explained on GB News. “We ought to be recognising British culture, we ought to be celebrating it, and we ought to be celebrating the values that exist within it.”
GB News host Eamonn Holmes described the school’s actions as “awful,” acknowledging that whilst the Union Jack can be “divisive” to Irish cultures, he accepts that “having moved to mainland England, this is the culture and these are the rules.
Other Students Affected
Field revealed that his daughter was not the only student turned away for celebrating British culture. “One child from a farming background was turned away at the gates for wearing traditional flat-cap and checked shirt. Another with a St Georges flag and another with a Welsh flag were not allowed in either,” he said.
“Others were allowed in burkas, niqabs or traditional Nigerian clothing. They didn’t even read or listen to her speech which actually celebrates inclusivity and other cultures,” Field added.
The father claimed the school had made the issue political, going against the stated purpose of the event. “It just seemed anything that was remotely British wasn’t allowed,” he said.
School Issues Apology
Following widespread criticism, the Stowe Valley Trust, which runs Bilton School, issued a statement offering “sincere and unreserved apologies” for the incident.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The school confirmed they had spoken directly with the pupil and her family “to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better.
Calls for Further Action
Former MP Anna Firth has called for the school to allow Courtney to deliver her prepared speech to a full assembly. “To be fair to the school, they have subsequently apologised. But what they should actually allow this girl to give her presentation. Make a presentation to the full assembly and celebrate her hard work,” she said.
Field said he had received messages of support “from all over the world really, from Poland to Australia” after posting about the incident on social media. “Everybody is saying how ridiculous it is that any young person cannot celebrate where they are from,” he added.
Bilton School, which has 1,138 pupils and was rated “Good” by Ofsted in its last inspection, describes itself as “ethnically diverse” with students “from every corner of the globe” forming the “Bilton school family.”
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
