A mother is considering taking her daughter out of school after teachers warned “extreme haircuts” are not welcome.
As it undergoes the transition into an academy, Tideway School in Newhaven has issued strict reminders to parents about uniform and appearance.
This includes a ban on “extreme haircuts” with teachers warning any style which is not a “consistent length” or a “natural colour” will be banned.
Errant pupils have been told they will be sent home until their hair has returned to “normal”.
But Danielle Smith has said she fears the plan will take away her daughter Morgan’s confidence and dent the 13-year-old’s aspirations to star on stage as a singer.
MsSmith, 31, of Hanson Road, Newhaven, said: “I have always taught her to try and be different.
Now I have to tell her to be the same as everybody else.
“I have two weeks to decide what I want to do.
“They say they want it to be normal but just what is normal these days?”
Following a consultation and Government approval, Tideway is set to officially become Seahaven Academy in April 2014.
Ahead of the move, the school as have sent out letters warning that there will be strict rules on uniform and appearance when youngsters return to school in September.
It claims this will mean pupils will be “judged solely for their talents, efforts and achievements”.
The letter states: “Extreme hairstyles, bleaches or dyes that are in clear contrast to natural hair colours are not acceptable or considered part of school uniform.
Shaved patterns or insignia are also not part of uniform.
“Students presenting with such haircuts will be sent home and advised to dye hair back to a natural hair colour or have hair cut to a consistent length to remove the patterns or insignia.”
Rob Corbett, headteacher at Tideway School, said: “Morgan is keen to develop as a singer and likes to colour her hair when she performs. She is able to do this as long as natural colours are used. I made it clear to Mrs Smith that her haircuts to date would not be a problem but would be happy to discuss any others she was concerned over.
“We have regular positive dialogue and I have been extremely supportive of her daughter and nephew.”
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