A schoolboy was put in isolation because his haircut was too short.

Mum Katie Burton, 31, had given her son, Harry Currie, 12, a grade two buzz for summer.

But the youngster was not allowed to join the rest of year seven at Teesdale school, in Barnard Castle, when he turned up to school the following day.

Instead, he was told he'd have to study in a separate room and could rejoin his classmates when his hair grew back, Katie claims.

The Northern Echo: Harry Currie is a pupil at Teesdale School.Harry Currie is a pupil at Teesdale School. (Image: SWNS)

Mum-of-five Katie, who works as a barmaid, from Barnard Castle, Durham, said: "I was really shocked.

"We'd done a grade two all over because their policy says not grade one or less, and it says no short sides and long on top.

"I was really careful to stay within the school's hair policy.

"This feels very unfair. He just wanted his hair short for the summer."

Katie cut Harry's hair on May 7, 2024, and he said he was separated from the other children as soon as he entered the school the next day.

The Northern Echo: Harry Currie, 12, with mum Katie Burton.Harry Currie, 12, with mum Katie Burton. (Image: SWNS)

He was put in a room with other children who were out of class.

Katie had no idea what had happened until Harry got home and was upset, she said.

Harry said: "At first I was really worried. I didn't know why they'd asked me to wait out of class.

"Then they asked if I'd done it for a medical reason.

"I was told I had to wait there until my hair grew back.

"I was really confused."

The school called Harry's haircut "extreme". 

Katie has kept Harry at home since the incident and said she's looking for a new school for him.

She said: "They've failed in their duty of care towards him. It's disgusting.

"Nobody phoned to say he was in isolation. I found out when he came home really upset.

"I couldn't believe it."

A spokesperson from the Northeast Learning Trust said: "As stated in our uniform policy, which is available online and shared with parents, extreme haircuts are not permitted in school.

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"If students fail to meet our school’s expectations, sanctions will be applied.

"Whilst we cannot discuss individual children in the public domain, we have an open-door policy and are more than happy to discuss any matters in person.”