Bilton School Apologizes After 12-Year-Old Isolated for Union Jack Dress on 'Culture Day'

A 12-year-old student, Courtney Wright, was isolated and sent home from Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire, on Friday, July 11, during its "Culture Celebration Day" for wearing a Union Jack dress. The school deemed her attire, chosen to celebrate British culture, "unacceptable," sparking widespread criticism and prompting an apology from the school.

Courtney's outfit, inspired by Geri Halliwell's iconic Spice Girls dress, was intended to represent her British heritage. She had also prepared a speech highlighting British history, traditions like drinking tea and eating fish and chips, and values such as politeness and humor. Her father, Stuart Field, stated that Courtney was placed in reception isolation before he collected her, leaving her "embarrassed" and confused about what she had done wrong. Reports also indicated that other students wearing Welsh or St George's flags were turned away.

The school's "Culture Celebration Day" was designed to foster "recognising and celebrating the rich cultural diversity within our school community," encouraging students to wear attire reflecting their "nationality or family heritage." Following public outcry, a spokesperson for Stowe Valley Trust, which operates Bilton School, issued an "unreserved apology." The Trust affirmed, "We deeply regret the distress this has caused... We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage." The school is now reviewing its policies and strengthening staff training.

The incident quickly garnered national attention and ignited a debate about the inclusion of British identity in diversity celebrations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson commented that "being British is something to be celebrated," echoing sentiments from many who argued that the school's actions contradicted the spirit of diversity. Stuart Field expressed his belief that the school had "politicised a Union Jack dress," emphasizing that his daughter "should not be made to feel embarrassed about being British."

Despite the school's subsequent offer for Courtney to present her speech, her father noted that she now "doesn't want to wear the dress" as she "doesn't feel comfortable." The family is not pursuing further action but hopes for a more consistent and genuinely inclusive approach from the school in the future, ensuring that all cultures, including British, are equally celebrated.