A Warwickshire secondary school has been forced to shut its doors early for the summer, following a wave of extremist threats sparked by its handling of a pupil’s choice to wear a Union Flag dress for a culture celebration day. The development comes after 12-year-old Courtney Wright was told her costume, inspired by the Spice Girls and intended to highlight British traditions, was ‘unacceptable’—a move that quickly drew national attention, public anger, and government commentary.
Courtney arrived last Friday at Bilton School in Rugby dressed in the colours of the Union Flag, ready to share a speech she had written about the history and customs of the UK. However, she was reportedly removed from her classes and kept in the reception area until her father arrived, after being informed her outfit did not align with the event’s criteria. The school’s decision was met with bewilderment and distress both by Courtney and her family, as well as generating wider discussion on issues of inclusivity and national identity.
In the days following the incident, the situation escalated dramatically. Statements from the school’s leadership revealed that staff and faculty began receiving a barrage of abusive messages and threats through both online platforms and direct phone calls. Ranjit Samra, CEO of the Stowe Valley Multi-Academy Trust, and headteacher Jayne Delves informed parents of their decision to close the school as a precautionary measure. “Our principal concern remains the safety and wellbeing of every child and staff member,” read their note, in part. “This is not a decision we have taken lightly.”
The school recognised the significant disruption that this sudden closure would cause for students and their families, particularly as it brings the summer term to an abrupt end. Yet officials maintained the response was essential, given the severity and personal nature of some of the threats received by staff in recent days. The message also expressed gratitude for the understanding shown by parents during what was described as a ‘very challenging time’.
Courtney’s father, Stuart Field, expressed shock and frustration over his daughter’s treatment, describing her as “embarrassed” by how she was segregated for her choice of attire. Mr Field said that Courtney’s intention was simply to participate in the celebration of cultures by expressing her pride in being British—a right, he said, that should be enjoyed equally by all students. He noted that the response to his daughter’s dress seemed out of step with the ethos of celebrating diversity.
Courtney herself stated she was upset, reporting that while some teachers complimented her sparkly Ginger Spice look, the majority deemed her dress inappropriate and refused to hear the speech she had prepared. She described feeling singled out and excluded from an event that was meant to allow everyone to express their cultural heritage. The school has since apologised directly to Courtney and her family, inviting her to present her speech at a later date, though she indicated that the experience has left her reluctant to do so.
Headteacher Jayne Delves has issued multiple public apologies over the incident, both to Courtney’s family and to the wider school community. In a letter, Ms Delves reaffirmed the school’s commitment to learning from the incident and ensuring all pupils feel valued and supported, regardless of which aspect of their heritage they choose to celebrate. “We must remain open, transparent and reflective,” she wrote, acknowledging the hurt and discomfort caused by the decision made on culture day.
In assemblies, the headteacher has since addressed students to stress the importance of pride in one’s identity, heritage and culture—underscoring that this diversity is central to the school’s character. Ms Delves acknowledged that the recent turmoil may have unsettled students but expressed hope that open dialogue and mutual respect would help the community to heal and move forward.
The Prime Minister and public figures have weighed in, with the Premier commenting that “being British is something to be celebrated”. The controversy continues to feed a broader public discussion on how best to honour and respect all backgrounds in school settings, a conversation likely to persist well beyond the summer break.
As events unfold, school communities across the country may look to Bilton’s experience as a case study in managing cultural celebrations, inclusivity policies, and the security of staff and pupils amidst powerful public reactions. The final word from Bilton School reinforces their intention to emerge a stronger, more inclusive community in the new academic year.