Schoolboy Taken Out of Class Due to ‘Extreme’ Haircut Needed for Medical Condition

The parents of a 15-year-old boy, Liam, who was removed from classes at Strood Academy in Kent due to his “extreme” haircut, have condemned the school’s decision, arguing that their son’s hairstyle is necessary to manage his eczema. Liam’s headteacher, Jon Richardson, defended the policy, stating it aims to promote “equality and focus” among students.

Liam’s parents expressed their frustration, describing the rule as “ridiculous,” “unnecessary,” and “horrible.” They explained that the haircut helps to cool Liam’s head, which is crucial for managing his eczema, a condition that worsens when his skin gets overheated, reported Belfast Live.

The school’s haircut policy explicitly bans “extreme haircuts,” such as skin fades, graphics, and lines, specifying that hair must be at least a grade one cut, subject to the senior leadership team’s discretion. According to The Mirror, Liam’s stepdad, Barry Sandman, explained that the hairstyle helps to cool his neck and prevent flare-ups. Liam had his haircut on September 21 and remained in class for four days before being informed it did not comply with school guidelines. He was eventually allowed back into lessons on September 30, once his hair had grown out to an acceptable length.

Mr. Sandman argued that Liam should have been exempt from the policy due to his medical condition. “Something needs to change as Liam shouldn’t be missing out on teaching time in his final year of GCSEs for a haircut that looks smart,” he said. “It’s not like he has a mohawk, massively long braids, or blue-dyed hair… If he had bright pink dreadlocks, that would probably be fine. It is a sensible haircut. Pretty much every teenager in Medway has a similar haircut.”

He further explained that Liam’s haircut has been the same for years, and they have provided medical documentation to the school. However, the school did not accommodate the request because the documentation did not explicitly state the need for a skin fade. Mr. Sandman added, “Him being taken out of class for this is ridiculous and unnecessary. It did not stop him or other kids from getting on with their work.”

Frustrated by the lack of response, Mr. Sandman claimed he phoned the school 18 times without an answer and plans to file a formal complaint. He also accused headteacher Mr. Richardson of avoiding his calls but mentioned that a meeting has finally been scheduled.

Mr. Sandman criticized the school’s strict approach, describing it as “regimental.” He said, “They have uniform checks every morning. Liam’s neck flared up when he went to the doctor, who said it was due to stress.”

Headteacher Jon Richardson, overseeing over 1,300 students, stated that Strood Academy maintains a positive and inclusive environment by upholding high standards of behavior and appearance. In a statement, he said, “The academy has a clear and well-established dress code, including guidelines on appropriate hairstyles, which is communicated at the start of each academic year. These guidelines promote a sense of equality and focus across the academy.”

He added that the school is communicating with the family and has offered a meeting to discuss their concerns, emphasizing that they consider specific circumstances, including medical conditions, when applying policies. “At this time, no formal complaint has been lodged, and we continue to engage with the parent to find an appropriate resolution,” Mr. Richardson concluded.