A 12-year-old girl was left devastated after being put into isolation for wearing a Union flag dress to celebrate being British at her school’s culture day - SWNS

Downing Street has backed a 12-year-old girl after she was put into isolation for wearing a Union flag dress on a culture day.

“Straight A” student Courtney Wright wore the Spice Girls-esque dress and wrote a piece about British history and traditions as part of the celebrations on Friday.

She was later told the dress was “unacceptable” and was hauled out of lessons and made to sit in reception until her father collected her.

Speaking on Tuesday, Keir Starmer’s spokesman said that “being British is something to be celebrated” and welcomed the school’s apology.

They added: “We’re a tolerant, diverse, open country. We’re proud of being British, I think the school has put out a statement apologising for this specific incident.

“So I’m not going to comment any further on that, but the PM has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated.”

Labour MP Mike Tapp said: “To apologise they should fly the British Flag loud and proud”.

Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire, said it deeply regretted the distress caused by the incident and was committed to “learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage”.

Stuart Field, 47, said his daughter was removed from the Culture Celebration Day last week “without saying a single word” and without being allowed to make an inclusive speech about the importance to her of being British, which referenced drinking tea, fish and chips and values of fairness and politeness.

Stuart Field and his daughter Courtney Wright and her Union flag dress - SWNS

In a post on Facebook, Mr Field wrote: “On my way to collect my daughter from school. She’s currently being made to sit at reception waiting for me.

“The reason? It’s cultural diversity day at school where children can wear clothing representing their culture and write a speech about their heritage. She’s been told it’s not for her as she gets to celebrate being British everyday.”

Courtney said teachers told her “only other cultures were allowed to celebrate”.

She said she “felt really embarrassed” and that some teachers even said “they liked the dress, as it was really sparkly” and “looked like Ginger Spice”.

However, she said teachers “point blank refused” to let her read her speech about British culture and “they didn’t want to hear it at all”.

She explained: “My speech was about diversity and all the traditions that we have in Britain – our politeness, our humour, we drink tea, we talk about the weather a lot and we like rugby and football.

“The school have since apologised. Even though the school has suggested reading my speech I don’t think I want to after how they embarrassed and upset me.”

A spokesman for Stowe Valley Trust said: “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.

Courtney Wright wore the Spice Girls inspired dress and wrote a piece about British history and traditions as part of the celebrations on Friday - Dave Benett Library

“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.

“We have since spoken directly with the pupil and her family to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better.

“We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage.

“As a school, we are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure our practices reflect our values of inclusion, respect, and understanding for all.”

Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman said on Tuesday afternoon that “being British is something to be celebrated” and welcomed the school’s apology.

The spokesman said: “The PM has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated and you can see that from everything this Government has done.

“We’re a tolerant, diverse, open country. We’re proud of being British, I think the school has put out a statement apologising for this specific incident.

“So I’m not going to comment any further on that, but the PM has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated.”

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