A PRUDHOE school has robustly defended its uniform policy after a parent suggested it was 'outdated' and 'draconian'.

It comes after reports that female pupils at Prudhoe Community High School (PCHS) are being put into isolation for wearing false eyelashes and fake nails.

The parent has also claimed her daughter has been threatened with expulsion for the modifications to her appearance, which her mother says are affecting her attendance, happiness and engagement at school.

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But the Moor Road school has come out in defence of its uniform policy which states: “Makeup should be natural in its appearance.

"Acrylic nail extensions/eyelash extensions are not allowed in school and students will be asked to remove them. If students do not comply, they will be placed in isolation.”

In an open letter, the parent whose child is in Year 10, said: “Female students in double figures are being vilified and isolated for their choice of makeup and appearance because it is against the rules.

“With everything that is going on in the world today and the struggles that families are going through, is it any wonder that parents feel unable to support the school in their commitment to this unnecessary rule and feel themselves judged as a parent?

“I am trying to raise young people who stand up for what they believe in, speak out and speak up, and feel able to make a positive impact. We need more people who challenge the status quo.

“The school had an opportunity to engage with the pupils who were breaking these particular rules, to bring them together, listen to them, and work with them. This would have promoted positive engagement, given the young people a sense of democracy and confidence that you can influence change.”

However, a spokeswoman for PCHS said: “The purpose of our uniform policy is to provide staff, students, parents/carers and all other stakeholders with a clear understanding of the approach the school takes to ensure our school uniform promotes the ethos of the school.

“Our school uniform enables us to promote a sense of identity, to avoid divisiveness and help create and foster in every student a sense of personal pride and pride in the school.”

When asked by the Courant specifically about allegations of isolation and exclusion, the school said it had no further comment. However, headteacher Annemarie Moore added: “We have high expectations within PCHS and that includes uniform.”

The letter sparked widespread debate when it was shared on social media and in community groups.

CEO of the trust which runs the school, Alice Witherow, added: “Tyne Community Learning Trust fully supports the uniform policy of Prudhoe Community High School and has noted that whilst there is some opposition to the policy, there is also a large amount of support for the policy from parents, who have communicated their support to the school.”