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School in Union flag dress row closes early after 'extremist threats' online

Bilton School in Rugby has been forced to close early for the summer holidays after staff received "extremist threats" online following a row over a Union flag dress

[Courtney wearing the Spice Girls inspired dress]

Courtney wearing the Spice Girls inspired dress(Image: Paul Marriott)

The school caught up in the Union flag dress controversy has been compelled to shut early for the summer due to 'extremist threats'. Bilton School in Rugby, in a letter to parents, announced its closure "in the interests of student and staff safety" following threats. The letter, dispatched on Thursday, informed parents that the school would be closing earlier than planned.

School officials cited "extremist abuse online and via our telephone systems" as the reason for this decision. "The nature and tone of this abuse has escalated in recent days, including personal threats to our staff," the letter added. "Our primary responsibility remains the safety and wellbeing of every child and member of staff. This is not a decision we have taken lightly... the safety of our school community must come first."

Upon arriving at the school for an 'inclusion day', 12 year old Courtney Wright was informed her outfit - a sequined Union Flag dress inspired by the Spice Girls - was "unacceptable". She was then instructed to sit alone in reception until her father could leave work to collect her, reports the Mirror.

[She was forced to wait in reception for her dad to pick her up]

She was forced to wait in reception for her dad to pick her up(Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)

In conversation with the Express, she stated: "It upset me because I came in really proud, I bought the dress, I chose it myself ... and then I was told I am not allowed in lessons."

The school swiftly issued an apology following the public outcry, stating it would "reflect on how I.T. could have been handled better". "We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies," the school expressed.

"We are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure our practices reflect our values of inclusion, respect and understanding for all."

A representative for Stowe Valley Trust stated: "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.

[Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire]

Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire(Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)

"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."

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