A student has been removed from clases-after a row over his haircut.

Shane
Lennon, 15, says he has worn the same hairstyle since primary school but
after a trim earlier this month he was suddenly put in seclusion for
contravening the rules.

The school says Shanes latest trim was the first time his style had broken
regulations. His hair, which is shaped into a V at the back, breaks a
Swinton High School rule against shaved patterns in hair which were
introduced in September.

But Shane was only told it was a problema as he walked into a Monday-
morning GCSE exam. He said he was told he had to shave it out or face two
weeks in seclusion.

Shane, from Wilson Avenue, Clifton, said: Im not backing down on it

because it is my identity and it is how I have been all through school. I
wouldnt feel the same. Im not willing to do because it has nothing to do
with my education. He said. If the rule has been changed since Setember,
why wasnt I told then?

Headteacher John Biddlestone said: Four other boys this term had similar
hairstyles and once it was fixed, nobody missed any lesson. He also said
that an education officer and a member of school staff will be sent round to
check on Shane and work had been provided for him. He added: He is a
good lad and he knows that a prefect has to set an example. We would
welcome him back with his hair cut.

It is not the first time Swinton High School has hit the headlines over its
uniform policy. In 2007 Mr Biddlestone sent home 36 children in a day for
wearing non- regulation footwear.