A 12-year-old girl wearing a union flag dress was prevented from delivering a speech about British culture during a school diversity event in Rugby, Warwickshire. Courtney Wright, a Year 7 pupil at Bilton School, had prepared a speech celebrating British values of fairness and politeness, as well as traditions like tea drinking and fish and chips, for the school's 'Culture Day' last Friday.
Her father, Stuart Field, said his daughter was removed from the event and told it was 'not for her as she gets to celebrate being British every day'. In a Facebook post, Field expressed his upset, stating his daughter was made to wait at reception until he collected her.
The school, part of the Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust, issued a statement deeply regretting the distress caused and offering 'sincere and unreserved apologies'. It confirmed it had spoken directly with the pupil and her family to address their concerns.
The trust added that it is reviewing policies and strengthening staff training to ensure all students feel recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage. The incident has sparked debate about inclusion and the celebration of British identity in multicultural settings.
