A 12-year-old British student was reportedly removed from her class and sent to the school office for wearing a Union Jack dress during her school’s Culture Day — a decision that has sparked national outrage and prompted an apology from the school.
Courtney Wright, a straight-A student at Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire, arrived last Friday dressed in a Union Jack outfit reminiscent of the famous Spice Girls dress. She also prepared a short essay celebrating British traditions, humor, and culture as part of the event’s activities.
Despite her effort, teachers reportedly told Courtney that her dress was “unacceptable” and escorted her to wait in the school office while her father was called to pick her up.
“Courtney was so embarrassed and couldn’t understand what she’d done wrong,” her father, Stuart Field, told reporters. “She should not be made to feel embarrassed about being British.”
According to Field, other students wearing symbols of English or Welsh heritage, such as St. George’s crosses and Welsh flags, were also stopped at the gate. He believes the school turned what was meant to be a day of inclusion into a politically charged embarrassment.
“Somebody at the school has politicized a Union Jack dress even though that was clearly not Courtney’s intent,” he added.
Student Speaks Out
Courtney herself expressed dismay at being excluded.
“They told me only other cultures were allowed to celebrate,” she said. “I felt really embarrassed.”
Courtney claimed she was also forbidden from reading the speech she had prepared — one that highlighted British values such as politeness, humor, tea-drinking, and national sports like football and rugby.
“They didn’t want to hear it at all,” she said. “Even though they’ve now apologized and offered to let me read my speech, I don’t want to after how they embarrassed and upset me.”
School Issues Apology
Facing public backlash, Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust, which oversees Bilton School, issued an official statement on Monday:
“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.”
The school pledged to review its policies, strengthen staff training, and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all students, regardless of cultural background.
A Broader Controversy
The incident has fueled growing concerns among parents and commentators that British identity is being sidelined in the name of political correctness.
Critics also pointed out that Bilton School has been accused of pushing gender ideology, further highlighting what some believe is a pattern of activist behavior over traditional education values.
“Our children are being taught by activists, not educators,” said commentator James Esses, who shared footage of past school materials promoting gender ideology.
