Bilton School closed after being target of 'extremist abuse'
It's after a 12-year-old pupil was forced out of a diversity class for wearing a union flag dress
A school in Rugby says it's been the target of "extremist abuse" - after a 12-year-old pupil was forced out of a diversity class for wearing a union flag dress.
Bilton School says it's closed today as a result due to safety concerns, adding that it's not a decision they've taken lightly.
It comes after they apologised unreservedly to the wider community and the family of the 12-year-old pupil who was taken out of a diversity class after wearing a Union Flag dress.
Bosses said they are committed to "learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage".
It comes after Stuart Field said his daughter Courtney Wright was removed from the Culture Celebration Day last week "without saying a single word" and without being allowed to make an inclusive speech about the importance to her of being British, which referenced drinking tea, fish and chips and values of fairness and politeness.
In a post on Facebook, Mr Field wrote: "On my way to collect my daughter from school. She's currently being made to sit at reception waiting for me.
"The reason? It's cultural diversity day at school where children can wear clothing representing their culture and write a speech about their heritage. She's been told it's not for her as she gets to celebrate being British everyday."
A statement issued on behalf of the school by the Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust said: "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."
The statement, which said the school was proud of the diversity of its students and the rich heritage they bring to the community, added: "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."
"We are committed to fostering an environment where every pupil feels respected, valued, and included."
The school had billed the day as a opportunity for pupils to wear attire reflecting their nationality or family heritage, rather than a school uniform.
In a letter sent to parents, bosses said: "Dear Parents and Carers, I am writing to inform you, with great regret, that we have taken the difficult decision to close the school tomorrow, Friday 18th July 2025, in the interest of student and staff safety. We would normally have closed at 12.30pm.
"As many of you are aware, over the last week the school has been the target of extremist abuse, online and via our telephone systems, which deeply saddens us. The nature and tone of this abuse has escalated in recent days including personal threats to staff. While we have been working closely with our multi agency partners to address the situation, our primary responsibility remains the safety and wellbeing of every child and member of staff.
"This is not a decision we have taken lightly.
"We understand the disruption this may cause to your families and your child's education, but the safety of our school community must come first. We know this will be upsetting for some students and we will celebrate with students their amazing achievements of 2024-25 at the start of next year.
"Tomorrow (18 July) you will receive a letter outlining arrangements for the collection of Key Stage 4 and 5 results and the start of term arrangements including tutor groups.
"Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this very challenging time. If you or your child need support or have concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us."