The headteacher of a school has removed rules that prohibited long hair or bleaching, man buns, or afros. He also said pupils don’t have to wear a tie or blazer anymore and encouraged other schools to reconsider their uniform policies.
All-boys Verulam School, St Alban’s requires students to be smart but not to wear a tie and blazer.
Students could have been sent home in the past if they had hair that was too long, too colour or in a strange style.
Since she became the first female headteacher, Julie Richardson relaxed dress codes and hairstyles at the school.
According to her, the old rules don’t fit modern dress codes and unfairly target students of color.
Julie Richardson, (pictured centre) headteacher at all-boy’s Verulam School in St Alban’s says big afros, long hair, cornrows and man buns are acceptable at her school
Since she became the first female headteacher in September last year, Ms Richardson has had relaxed dress codes and hairstyles at school.
Changes have been well received by students. Wasif Rashid (15 years old) stated that “The changes have given students the freedom to express themselves and to embrace their individuality.”
“We felt accepted and included within the school community, and we decided to wear our Thobes to prove it.
“It makes me feel like I am able to be myself, and my faith is being valued.
Students can now dress professionally in Sixth Form Business attire, but have more options.
Students can now dress professionally in sixth-form business attire, but have more options.
This includes religious and cultural dress, such as the ankle-length thobes that are worn frequently in the Middle East.
Ms Richardson said: “If City businessmen and women don’t wear suits and ties, why shouldn’t sixth-form students?”
It’s not about being forced to wear one style of clothes, but having the option of choosing from many.
“Most schools require a uniform, however cultural and religious clothing is not usually allowed in school.”
“They claim to have inclusive vision statements, but their policies do not reflect that.
“It’s about helping students develop a positive self image and improve their mental health. We believe this is the most important thing.
Lealan Hague (left and Right), was 14 when he was informed by teachers that he had “an issue” with his hair being in plaits at Exmouth Community College.
After it was revealed that the Exmouth Community College boy, 14, was wearing his hair down at Exmouth Community College in December, a policy change was made by her.
Lealan Hague (14 years old) was told by teachers that he had “an issue” with his hair being in plaits.
He was a regular rugby player at school in Devon, and his hair had been pinned to protect his face.
Kirsty, Kirsty’s mother, referred to the uniform policy as “an absolute joke” and said that the 14-year old has the right to wear plaits at school just like the girls.
Lealan was also placed in isolation by the school on March 20, 2021 after his haircut, which he claimed was too short and extreme, had been deemed unacceptable.
Andrew Davis, the principal of the college said there are strict rules regarding hairstyles.
He explained that students who arrive at college in extreme hairstyles are often placed in isolation until they can be contacted by parents and caregivers and have the matter resolved.
Ms Richardson has been urging schools around the country to reconsider their uniform policy. Photo: Verulam School students
Now, after her policy changes, Ms Richardson urges schools to review their uniform rules.
She explained that it was utter madness to remove children from class for not fitting in with traditional dress styles.
I believe these rules are discriminatory and inadvertently targeted at students of color.
“This is not the school where I’d like to be a teacher, student or leader. We have therefore removed hair references from our uniform policy. Our boys should be proud of how their hair grows.
“That includes afros and long hair. We are open to all styles of boys’ expressions.
“Too many youth feel they have to conform and look certain ways. The rise of social media fuels this. It is okay for students to be who they are.
Verulam School, St. Alban’s. Ms Richardson claimed that taking children from class is “utter madness”.