Boys banned over 'extreme' hair

Headteacher Colin Taylor denied claims he had been too tough

A head teacher has said he stands by his decision to ban three boys from the classroom after they gave themselves a "number one" haircut.

Kieron Hawkins, 14, and two friends were told they would have to work in a corridor at Oakmeads Community School until their "extreme" cuts grew out.

Kieron and his father complained that the punishment was too tough.

But Colin Taylor, head of the school in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, said the boys' actions were not acceptable.

The trio cut their hair on 18 September and were banned from classes for two weeks the following day.

"I thought it was a bit tough, because it's only hair," said Kieron.

"I don't feel that it has got anything to do with my learning or anyone else's learning.

"It is not affecting anyone in a major way."

Mr Hawkins said the boys cut their hair as a prank and he did not believe the school rules on styles were set out clearly enough.

Keiron Hawkins was told he would have to study alone in a corridor until his hair grew back

"He's a teenager - kids are kids," he said.

"You can only bring them up to the best of your ability, and that is what we are trying to do."

Mr Taylor denied the school's reaction was too tough.

"Some people may think that, but nowadays you have to set your expectations and set your stall out," he said.

"We were trying to say we have got an issue, it is not acceptable, we are taking this action and you have to accept the consequences of your own actions."

The boys have since been allowed to return to the classroom, despite having served less than half of their ban.