A BIRKENHEAD schoolboy with plaits in his hair claims sexual discrimination after the headteacher at his Bebington school tried to send him home because of his hairstyle.

Karl Loftus, aged 14, who is in Year 10 at Bebington High, went to school wearing plaits, only to be reprimanded by his Headteacher, Mr R.J. Burns.

He then tried to send Karl (pictured) home, but couldn't because his mother wasn't in. So, Karl spent the rest of the day in a schoolroom on his own.

Karl's mother, Anita Meldrum, is furious as girls in the school are free to wear their hair in plaits. Both Karl and his mum claim that the decision taken by Mr Burns amounts to sexual discrimination.

However at a meeting, Mr Burns claims that through the school governors he has the right to send pupils home if he takes offence at their appearance.

Mrs Meldrum, of Chatsworth Road, is writing to the Secretary of State over the matter. Meanwhile, Karl continues to wear the plaits.

"There has been no apology or explaniation as to this stand down," said Mrs Meldrum.

Headmaster Mr Burns described Mrs Meldrum's claim as being "totally blown out of all proportion and not an issue of any kind".

Mr Burns said: "At first his hair was totally unacceptable and not in keeping with the reputation of the school. The plaits were all over the place and scruffy. There isn't a problem with the way it is now and he's adopted a far more sensible attitude.

"As far as the school is concerned this is not an issue, it's a mother trying to make something out of nothing."

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