A WIRRAL pupil was sent home from school on the first day of the new term in a row over his long hair.

Robert Allanson was about to start his first lesson at Mosslands School in Wallasey when he was told to comply with the rules or leave the classroom.

When he refused to tie his hair back with elastic he was sent home.

The 14-year-old and his father say he has been discriminated against.

Robert, who is a Year 11 pupil, said: "I feel very angry about this, the way I've been treated is unfair.

"It was my first day back and all I want to do is get on with my schoolwork."

His father, also called Robert, a self-employed builder, said: "I feel the school has been a bit childish in their handling of a pupil whose hair is only about an inch-and-a-half longer than its policy will allow.

"I feel Robert has been singled out and discriminated against. There are lots of lads in the school with much longer hair than Robert, and they have not been suspended.

"The school admitted this is an important year for Robert with his GCSEs coming up.

"If that is the case, why couldn’t they just let him get on with his schoolwork instead?"

Mosslands School headteacher Mark Rodaway said: “When their children join Year 7, all parents sign a home school agreement, which includes a requirement for students with long hair to tie it back for school.

"The school supports students' rights to be individual and is not against long hair.

"We simply ask pupils to tie it back for their own safety and so they look smart.

"We even supply hair elastics to those who need them.

"This student has not been formally excluded from school and we are very happy to have him back tomorrow if he is willing to adhere to the same high standards of personal appearance as every other student.

"All other pupils respond well and politely if asked to tie their hair back.

"Unfortunately, we have had to remind this student and his parents of the policy on many occasions and after an incident this week involving two members of staff, we had no option but to send him home until he is willing to honour the agreement that his parents signed.

"We have a great relationship with parents and students, who value and contribute towards our efforts to improve the reputation of young people.

"For this very reason, it is unfair to allow one student to ignore such a reasonable request, which the vast majority of students follow without any complaints."