Pupils at Nottinghamshire school disciplined for shaving heads to support school friend with cancer

Parents have spoke of their anger after pupils were disciplined for shaving their heads to support a school pal who was diagnosed with cancer.

The group of boys from Newark Academy, in Nottinghamshire, decided to shave their heads to show solidarity with their cancer-stricken friend last week.

But mums and dads were left stunned to be told their actions went against school policy and they were allegedly placed into isolation and banned from their end of year prom.

The teenagers had been supporting a schoolmate who had recently been diagnosed with testicular cancer and is facing bouts of chemotherapy.

According to a fundraising page set-up by the boy's family, he's unable to sit exams or work his weekend job while in hospital four days a week.

Angry parents and local politicians have since blasted the "heartless" school for punishing the students "for being decent human beings".

One wrote on social media: "Friends matter, especially during trying times in life.

"This shows solidarity, respect, support, empathy, understanding and most importantly love.

"These things can only be learned in life, not in school. Shame on those punishing these young men for being decent human beings!"

Another said: "What the hell is wrong with Newark Academy!! Punishing pupils by isolation and banning prom for showing support for a friend with cancer.

"Their crime? Shaving their heads. That school is on a power trip. Punishing lots of pupils for next to nothing."

A third commented: "Instead of punishing children from showing empathy and compassion why not listen to them and support them with these massive big emotions and help educate the whole school about this cancer awareness."

Johno Lee, Independent Councillor for Balderton North and Coddington on Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: "When I first heard the rumours on social media you wonder if people are exaggerating.

"But I was shocked to have it confirmed that its' true and it's just wrong.

"I was in the military for 12 years and appreciate there's a dress code to follow, but these boys were doing a good deed for a friend.

"This damages the reputation of the school and I would urge them to reconsider their actions and I hope the boys are eventually vindicated and allowed to go the prom.

"These boys should not be punished for showing solidarity with a friend."

The Gofundme page set up for the boy reads: "His friends have been amazing and all shaved their heads in supporting him. The support his had from them has been absolutely amazing.

"Any donations would be greatly appreciated for when he gets out of hospital. It will also help towards the family's endless trips to QMC, time off work to look after him."

Senior leaders at the Nova Education Trust, which runs the school in London Road, Balderton, Newark, said they were aware of the claims.

But it insisted that the school's behaviour and appearance policy were paramount, adding that it had a responsibility to 'uphold their agreed standards and rules'.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “We are aware of the recent situation involving students who have shaved their heads, an action that is in breach of our school’s behaviour and appearance policy.

"First and foremost, we want to acknowledge and commend the compassion and solidarity these students have shown for their friend.

"Their empathy and support are qualities we value deeply in our school community.

"Our school policies are designed to create a consistent and focused learning environment for all students.

"While we understand and respect the motivations behind their actions, the schools have a responsibility to uphold their agreed standards and rules, which are communicated clearly to all students and parents.

"We are reviewing how best to balance the enforcement of school policies with the need for compassion in exceptional circumstances such as these.

"Our goal is always to support our students in both their academic and personal growth, and to encourage the values of kindness and community spirit.

"We are engaging with the students and their families to ensure a constructive resolution and are also exploring ways we, as a community, can show collective support for the affected student and their family during this difficult time.

"We appreciate the concern and support from the wider community and will continue to act in the best interests of all our students.”

The academy caters for 1,149 pupils aged 11-18 and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted at its last inspection in February.